FICC Focus

Carlos Mendez, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Crayhill Capital, brings his expertise in asset-backed lending and commercial finance to the discussion. He delves into how tariff-induced uncertainty is reshaping the cost of capital. Listeners will gain insights into Crayhill’s oversubscribed fund and the competitive landscape of private credit. Mendez also touches on team dynamics and the integration of AI in investment management, plus strategies for asset management during economic downturns, influenced by his military background.

Sonal Desai, Chief Investment Officer for Franklin Templeton Fixed Income, shares her expertise on navigating financial market volatility. She discusses why the dollar is likely to maintain its status as a reserve currency despite recent fluctuations. Desai emphasizes the importance of focusing on broader economic trends and market valuations for long-term investment success. Additionally, she explores the implications of central bank policies and offers strategic insights for managing investments during periods of uncertainty.

Natasha Tsiouris, a partner at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, discusses the dynamic world of distressed debt, focusing on creditor-side strategies. She highlights the shift in liability management transactions and the growing need for lender consensus to minimize litigation risks. Tsiouris emphasizes the importance of prompt negotiations among creditors to avoid chaos. Plus, she shares insights on private credit restructurings and anticipates evolving trends, including the rise of flexible 'deal away' strategies that could reshape the landscape.

The podcast dives into the intriguing world of market volatility spurred by tariff announcements. It explores how these tariffs influence cross-asset markets and shift risk dynamics. Geopolitical tensions are examined as key players in the volatility game. Additionally, the discussion highlights the potential recession and its effects on asset allocation strategies. Intraday trading ranges reveal both risks and opportunities, making for a compelling analysis of the current market landscape.

Lawrence Perkins, Founder and CEO of Sierra Constellation Partners, discusses the vital role of relationships in reviving middle-market companies. He reveals a rise in 'distressed by accident' lenders due to the private credit boom and contrasts different bankruptcy procedures like Chapter 11 and Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors. The conversation also touches on the significance of company culture and employee support in overcoming financial turmoil, emphasizing strategies that keep businesses resilient in volatile markets.

Seema Shah, Chief Global Strategist for Principal Asset Management, shares her expertise on navigating the turbulent markets shaped by tariffs and inflation. She emphasizes the value of real estate and public infrastructure as promising investment avenues. Discussions also highlight the resilience of the financial sector and the importance of global diversification. Shah dives into the geopolitical risks impacting regions like Eastern Europe and Taiwan, advising investors to adapt their strategies to mitigate potential inflation.

Deepak Narula, founder and co-CIO of Metacapital Management, dives into the mortgage market's potential upheaval. He discusses the impact of new tariffs, the privatization of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and the negative convexity profile of mortgage-backed securities. Narula also addresses the risks of prepayment and stagflation while highlighting the opportunities presented by machine learning models. The conversation offers a glimpse into navigating current economic challenges and the evolving landscape of housing finance.

Fabio Natalucci, CEO of the Andersen Institute for Finance & Economics and former Deputy Director at the IMF, joins Damian Sassower to tackle the intricacies of global economic challenges. They discuss the impact of central bank policies on recession risks in the U.S. and emerging markets. Natalucci highlights the complexities of currency dynamics and the influence of structural selling on the U.S. dollar. The conversation also covers the implications of credit default swaps and the need for international cooperation in navigating frontier markets.

In this engaging discussion, Per Wehrmann, Head of European high yield at DWS Investments GmBH, shares his expertise on the shifting landscapes of investor sentiment and market dynamics. He and Mahesh Bhimalingam analyze the recent downturn in high yield markets, driven by rising default concerns and trade tensions. The conversation highlights the cautious stance of investors, their increasing cash holdings, and the impact of central bank policies. They also explore which sectors are favored and the implications for future performance.

Oskar Lewnowski, Founder and CEO of Orion Resource Partners, shares insights on the crucial role of metals like copper and uranium in the current economic landscape. He discusses how energy demands balance with social needs while addressing the complexities of the supply-demand dynamic in commodities. Lewnowski also highlights the significance of financing new mining projects amidst a changing geopolitical climate and explores strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing mine construction in emerging markets.