Know More. Risk Better.

James Goldstein, a Senior Retail Analyst at Credit Sites, and Jim Dunn, a Senior Consumer Analyst, dive into the current state of the US consumer landscape. They analyze the Q1 retail earnings, highlighting the disparity between demand for essentials versus discretionary goods amid economic uncertainty. The discussion also touches on consumer behavior following 'Liberation Day,' revealing resilience in spending, particularly in travel. They further explore the impacts of tariffs and inflation on pricing strategies and uncover potential investment opportunities in a shifting market.

Michael Kooiman, a retail business owner from Charlotte, NC, shares his expert insights on the challenges small and medium enterprises face due to tariffs, especially regarding Christmas and outdoor furniture imports from China. He discusses the complex impacts of tariffs on supply chains, prompting businesses to seek alternatives. The conversation also touches on evolving consumer spending trends as the holiday season approaches, revealing both optimism and challenges in adapting to economic uncertainty.

This week on the “Know More Risk Better” podcast, Logan Miller, Head of European Strategy, is joined by Laurent Vergnault, Head of Chemicals and Packaging, Europe and Felicity Juckes, Lead Analyst, Paper and Packaging, Europe as they delve into tariffs and the recent de-escalation between the US and its largest trading partners. This episode also examines the fundamentals for Chems and Paper and Packaging and new issue trends between sectors. Ideal for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of current industry trends and potential risks, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the European industrial scene, complete with the experts' picks and pans. 

This week on the "Know More Risk Better" podcast, Winnie Cisar, CreditSights Head of Strategy, is joined by Cedric Chehab, Chief Economist at BMI, and co-host Zach Griffiths, Head of U.S. Investment Grade and Macro Strategy at CreditSights. Together, they delve into the complex dynamics of the global macro landscape. This episode explores significant de-escalations in US trade tensions with the UK and China, highlighting potential boosts to growth and easing inflation concerns. Gain insights into the US dollar's recent fluctuations and their implications for global financial conditions. Discover how fiscal policies and deregulation could sustain US economic growth amidst uncertainties. Perfect for those seeking a pragmatic understanding of current market conditions and associated risks, this episode is a must-listen!

In the latest episode of "Know More, Risk Better," host and CreditSights Global Head of Strategy, Winnie Cisar, is joined by Zerlina Zeng, CreditSights Head of Asia Strategy, for a captivating discussion about Zerlina's recent trip to Hong Kong and Macau. Dive into the strategies top investors are using to navigate market volatility and their shift towards more defensive positions. Uncover the effects of US-China trade tensions and high rates volatility on global investment sentiment. This episode delves into opportunities in high-yield China industrial names and Hong Kong property, providing a fresh perspective on managing risks and finding value in unpredictable times. Tune in to explore how a potential prolonged US-China trade standoff could reshape global asset strategies and discover where savvy investors are placing their bets. Don't miss out on this chance to gain valuable insights and stay ahead in the complex world of international credits!

Tune in to the latest episode of the "Know More, Risk Better." podcast, hosted by Zach Griffiths. This week, he is joined by Josh Esterov, CFA, Head of Insurance at CreditSights. Together, they delve into the rising influence of private credit in insurance portfolios and discuss how private equity is reshaping the industry through higher yields and innovative strategies. Explore the significant shift from commercial real estate to residential mortgages and gain insights into the dynamic risk transfer market. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the opportunities and challenges redefining insurance investments. Don't miss this engaging and insightful conversation!

In the latest episode of "Know More Risk Better," host Zach Griffiths talks with Blake Winston, a USD Rates Options Trader at Wells Fargo. They address recent key market narratives including concerns about the Treasury-futures basis trade, further swap spread tightening and potential foreign selling of Treasuries. Blake sheds light on discrepancies in the market narrative and what he sees as the key drivers of the recent selloff in cash bonds. They also discuss the recent trend of the front end and back end of the Treasury curve trading like two different asset classes and how concerns about Fed independence factor into recent market movements. This episode offers valuable perspectives for those interested in financial markets and macroeconomic trends.

In this week's episode, host Zachary Griffiths dives into the evolving APAC insurance landscape with Senior Insurance Analyst, Trung Tran, focusing on converging Insurance Capital Standards in the region. Trung shares insights into Japanese life insurers, highlighting their strong solvency ratios amid attractive spreads for investors. They discuss significant risks like interest rate fluctuations and stock market volatility, and notice a trend of Japanese insurers moving their investments back home due to high hedging costs and rising local interest rates. The episode also tackles common investor questions about insurance bonds and accounting practices. If you're curious to learn more about this topic, including regulatory changes and bond structures, check out our 2024 APAC Insurance Primer Report.

Joining the discussion is Cedric Chehab, Chief Economist at BMI, known for his expertise in global trade dynamics. He shares insights on the current economic landscape, highlighting the potential for recession amid aggressive tariff policies. The conversation delves into the evolving role of the U.S. in global markets and the impact of trade tensions. Cedric also examines the future of the U.S. dollar and the challenges facing the Chinese economy as it navigates currency valuation. Tune in for a captivating take on today's market complexities.

Join us on the latest episode of the “Know More. Risk Better.” podcast as Winnie Cisar, Zach Griffiths, and Regis Chatellier explore the economic outlook for Q2 2025 and beyond. Dive into discussions on economic trends and risks, U.S. stagflation concerns, and the impacts of tariffs and geopolitical tensions on emerging markets.