Portfolio Intelligence Podcast

Active ETFs are gaining traction as a tool for alpha generation, while the potential for an ETF share class has come to the forefront in the past few months. Steve discusses considerations for investors looking to incorporate these investment options into their portfolios in this episode with podcast host John P. Bryson. Here’s an excerpt from the conversation:1 What are active ETFs?Steve: An active ETF combines the ETF wrapper with active management inside of a 40 Act product like a mutual fund, but in this case, the 40 Act product is the exchange-traded fund. It allows for intraday trading, transparency of underlying holdings, and tax efficiency, with the potential to outperform a market or a benchmark.2 What should investors consider while picking an active ETF that’s right for them?Steve: Investors should consider the track record and trustworthiness of the active manager, understanding what the fund aims to accomplish. They should consider the underlying investments within the ETF and how that relates to pricing. There's always a spread, like when you buy a stock, so you want to understand how wide the spread is, your cost of acquisition, and if you have to pay a commission.3 What is an ETF share class?Steve: An ETF share class is an additional share class of a traditional mutual fund, similar to an A or I share class, but in an ETF wrapper. It allows for an ETF to be linked to an already established mutual fund with a track record, offering benefits like instant scale and historical performance. This setup can provide lower overall expenses and more tax efficiency due to the structure of ETFs.1 “ETFs 2029: The path to $30 trillion,” PwC, 3/4/25 .

Whether we’re considering domestic or international equities, market movements and valuations seem to be reflecting sentiments rather than underlying fundamentals. Moving into the second half of 2025, it’s crucial to look beyond inflated valuations and seek pockets of opportunity that offer both value and quality.In this episode, Matt and Emily talk to podcast host John P. Bryson about how investors can navigate today’s volatile market even as economic slowdown worries persist. Here’s a sneak peek into the conversation.1 What’s U.S. economic data indicating?Matt: The employment picture is still holding up okay, with monthly job gains of about 150,000. Initial jobless claims have come up a little bit but are still at a low level historically. Overall, it’s not amazing growth, but it's not too slow either. It seems like no one's appreciating the slowdown in inflation, but the data’s showing it. In our view, some of the current market movements may have rotation or opportunities presenting themselves because the U.S. economy's holding up all right.2 How is the bond market reacting to U.S. economic data?Emily: Bonds aren't getting the memo as it relates to the macro backdrop. Normally, you would think that bond yields would be falling meaningfully as inflation comes down. We're not really seeing that. We're sort of chopping around in the 4.50%-ish range.Housing, for example, is a critical component of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). There is a lot more housing supply coming online, and that is bringing inflation to the lowest level since 2021.1 That's a really notable dynamic that is just not being picked up by the bond market right now.3 What should investors focus on for the second half of 2025?Emily: We want to be careful about chasing risk here. We need to think about where we can find value. Where can we find the best earnings growth on a relative basis? Where can we find parts of the market that are on sale? We want to be careful about not getting pushed into momentum-driven areas of markets that are just rallying on sentiment.1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The college admissions process can be incredibly competitive and stressful―intense strategizing is required. The lack of clarity around the role that standardized admissions tests such as the SAT and ACT play in the process doesn’t help. College admissions coach Nancy Steenson joins podcast host John Bryson on how best to navigate the evolving college admissions environment.

Spring, they say, can really hang you up the most―and that’s the tune that’s played out in the markets so far, in the wake of Liberation Day. Might the proposed tariffs lead to a recession? How should investors position their portfolios amid uncertainty? Take a listen to what Matthew D. Miskin, CFA, our co-chief investment strategist, has to say.

For many of us, the word “investor” tends to be closely associated with the male gender. This may need to change soon because women are on track to control 38% of investable wealth by 2030. Our Director of Practice Management, Kathleen Pritchard, and Divisional Sales Manager, Megan Hopps, explain why it’s time for the industry to reframe the way it approaches women and wealth.

In this engaging discussion, Alex Grassino, the global chief economist at Manulife Investment Management, shares insights into how tariffs shape economic landscapes. He elucidates the complex relationship between tariffs and inflation, debunking common myths. Alex discusses the short-term spikes in prices for consumers and businesses, as well as the long-term implications on global supply chains. He also addresses the uncertain nature of investment markets in response to tariffs, comparing it to a high-stakes poker game fraught with unpredictability.

Markets started the year on a slightly uneven footing as issues such as stock-price valuation, tariffs, and U.S. interest rates weighed on sentiment. While our Co-Chief Investment Strategists Emily R. Roland, CIMA, and Matthew D. Miskin, CFA, think compelling investing opportunities can still be found, they feel that it may be time for investors to adjust their expectations.

A new year typically ushers in new hopes. Where Wall Street’s concerned, 2025 may well ring in new highs. Emory W. (Sandy) Sanders, Jr., CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager at Manulife Investment Management shares his investment approach with podcast host, John P. Bryson, and explains why he’s feeling sanguine about the coming year.

After an initial burst of euphoria following the election, investors appear to have adopted a more cautious mood as they assess how the incoming administration might shape financial markets. Our Co-Chief Investment Strategists Emily R. Roland, CIMA, and Matthew D. Miskin, CFA, share their views.

Danielle K. Roberts, co-founding partner of the insurance agency Boomer Benefits, joins podcast host John P. Bryson to discuss what today’s retirees and near-retirees need to know about Medicare and how to factor healthcare costs into their overall financial plans and decision-making. Danielle, author of the book 10 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make, outlines the different parts of Medicare coverage and explores key considerations in choosing between Medicare Advantage and Medigap coverage. She also offers advice to help investment professionals assist clients who are trying to adapt to recent and pending changes to the federal program.