UBS On-Air: Market Moves

The US June trade balance is due—a number once overlooked but which politics has made it matter. Are international investors rushing to buy more US-made products? They are not (Canadians seem to be rushing in the other direction). Are US consumers less inclined to buy foreign goods? Probably not—even as late as June, some imports will not yet be hit with trade taxes. The euro has weakened, allegedly in response to concerns about the economic implications of the trade “deal”; but we still lack “deal” details, and the reaction of US companies will also matter to the EU economic outlook.

Jason drops by the studio to preview a busy week that includes an abundance of Q2 earnings results, the July FOMC meeting, and the July employment report. We also reflect on recent trade news involving the EU and Japan, and what it all means for tariffs going forward. Plus, a look at CIO’s latest positioning recommendations, and thoughts on how a big structural risk shift in the private sector is being masked by a relative market calm. Featured is Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

The EU and the US agreed that US consumers should pay more tax—levied at 15% for imports from the EU. EU President von der Leyen made vague pledges to buy stuff from and invest in the US, without the necessary authority to make those pledges reality. Pharmaceuticals and steel seem to be excluded from this deal. The result is better for the US economy than the worst-case scenario, but worse for the US economy than the situation in January this year—but it is bad news markets have probably anticipated.

Tune in every Monday morning ahead of the New York opening bell as Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi, CIO Americas and Head of Global Equities for UBS Wealth Management, briefs you on the most important market drivers in the week ahead, along with opportunities beyond the consensus. This week – Mega-tech Q2 earnings results continue, the FOMC meeting and rate decision, further potential trade developments ahead of the Aug 01 deadline, and the July employment report.

Arif Joshi serves as a Portfolio Manager and Analyst on Lazard Asset Management's Emerging Markets Debt team. Our conversation focuses on recent and ongoing developments surrounding US trade policy, along with implications to the economy, and international markets. We also spend some time on pressing geopolitical topics such as the condition of the US-China relationship, along with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War. Host: Daniel Cassidy