Portfolio strategist David Dietze shares stock picks, Megan Horneman discusses market investing, Josh Joseph talks about the cannabis industry's outlook, and Natalie Trevithick analyzes bond market moves amid inflation data and the recent jobs report.
Investment-grade bonds offer attractive yields, particularly in the utilities and consumer sectors.
The Federal Reserve is likely to continue raising interest rates due to strong employment and consumer spending support.
Deep dives
Investment Opportunities in Credit Markets
The current yield of 6.15% in investment-grade bonds is attractive, and while spreads are still tight, there is value in going further out the curve for higher yields. Utilities and consumer sectors are particularly appealing, with attractive valuations and the potential for secured bonds. Going into the BBB space is also a consideration, as there is value to be found, and the high-yield market offers opportunities as well with low default expectations. The new issue market is experiencing dichotomy between investor demand for longer-maturity bonds and issuers preferring short-term debt at higher rates.
Federal Reserve's Impact on Interest Rates
The expectation is for one more interest rate hike as strong employment and consumer spending support further tightening. The potential for a slight weakness in the jobs report on Friday could influence the Fed's decisions. However, the unemployment rate is expected to remain relatively low, which gives the Fed less reason to pause its rate hikes.
Sector Preferences
From a credit perspective, utility sectors are favored due to attractive valuations and higher quality secured bonds. Consumer sectors, such as autos, also offer value, especially following recent weakness. The strength of securities in the mortgage-backed securities market remains solid, although some concern arises regarding auto loans in light of potential consumer spending slowdown.
New Issuance and Investor Demand
Issuance levels have been slightly below expectations as there is a disconnect between what investors want (10 and 30-year bonds) and what issuers prefer (shorter-term bonds). Aggressive pricing and high demand for bonds result in a seller's market, and companies continue to borrow to maintain access to capital markets.
David Dietze, Managing Principal and Senior Portfolio Strategist at Peapack Private Wealth Management, joins to discuss markets and gives some of his stock picks. Megan Horneman, Chief Investment Officer at Verdence, joins the show to talk about markets, investing, and his outlook for the economy.Josh Joseph, CEO of Big Plan Holdings, discusses outlook for the cannabis industry and how his company is navigating current economic conditions. Natalie Trevithick, Head of Investment Grade Credit Strategy at Payden & Rygel, joins to discuss bond market moves amid inflation data and the recent jobs report. Hosted by Paul Sweeney and Matt Miller.