Top of the Morning: Fixed Income Strategist - First-Half Review
Jun 11, 2024
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Leslie Falconio and John Murtagh of UBS CIO discuss fixed income performance drivers, rate volatility, Fed rate cut expectations, upcoming FOMC meeting, US monetary policy, and recommendations for fixed income investors in agency MBS, investment-grade corporates, tips, treasuries, and munis for incremental income and price appreciation.
Market reacts to economic data like CPI for Treasury yield changes.
High-quality fixed income assets advised for total return amidst rate cut expectations.
Deep dives
First Half Fixed Income Performance and Market Sensitivity to Economic Data
The podcast discussed the significant re-pricing of the Fed's rate cut expectations, leading to upward pressure on treasury yields in the first half of 2024. The market, highly sensitive to economic data, particularly CPI announcements, reacted swiftly, with most of the rise in 10-year yields occurring around CPI releases. Despite volatility, rates fell in May due to a better-than-expected CPI report, hinting at possible lower rates in the second half.
Trends and Outlook for the Second Half of 2024
The discussion highlighted the market's 'show me' mentality, with fixed income reacting to economic indicators like jobs reports and shifting narratives. Anticipated slower economic growth, coupled with expected Fed rate cuts starting in September, may lead to decreased volatility and lower yields in the coming months. The focus remains on high-quality assets for total return driven by carry and price appreciation.
Fed Meeting Expectations and Fixed Income Positioning Recommendations
Regarding the upcoming Fed meeting, the podcast mentioned market expectations for a shift in the Fed's rate projections and potential rate cuts aligning with the market's outlook for this year. The conversation emphasized data dependency and the likelihood of rate cuts to address moderating inflation and slowing growth. In terms of fixed income positioning, recommendations leaned towards high-quality sectors due to anticipated lower yields and the potential for sectors with lower correlations to interest rate movements to perform better.
As mid-year approaches, we take time to reflect on fixed income performance drivers over 1H24, along with preview performance expectations for the balance of the year. We also outline expectations for monetary policy and rates, along with review positioning recommendations across fixed income. Featured are Leslie Falconio, Head of Taxable Fixed Income Strategy Americas, and John Murtagh, Fixed Income Analyst Americas. Host: Daniel Cassidy
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