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Municipal bonds have struggled so far in 2025 as increased issuance and elevated volatility have weighed on prices. However, with risks to the current economic expansion rising, the case for munis has only grown more compelling. On a tax-equivalent basis, muni yields are higher relative to Treasuries and compete with those offered by corporate credit. Additionally, the muni yield curve is steeper than other markets, meaning investors are compensated more for extending duration. At the same time, they have less credit risk. Not only do state balance sheets look healthy but across credit ratings, municipal bond default rates have been consistently lower than those of corporate bonds. All this said, the sector is not without its challenges. Federal spending cuts, tariffs and restrictive immigration policies could disrupt activity across municipalities, although these impacts will be felt differently across sectors and regions.

On this episode of Insights Now, Gabriela Santos is joined by Neene Jenkins, Head of Municipal Credit Research, to discuss Neene’s outlook for the sector.

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With economic uncertainty slowing exits and borrowing costs remaining high, investors are becoming more selective in their targets. Meanwhile, groundbreaking advancements in AI and other technologies are driving compelling growth stories, yet those not involved in the startup and growth phases risk missing out on significant value creation before these companies hit the stock market. On this episode, Aaron Mulvihill is joined by Paris Heymann, co-managing partner of Growth Equity Partners at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, who has an impressive career in venture and growth investing. They explore key themes affecting venture and growth investing, including how venture capital is adapting to longer holding periods, strategies for valuations and pricing in the current environment, the transformative impact of AI and the convergence of public and private markets.

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In the world of fixed income markets, investors are constantly navigating through a landscape marked by shifting economic dynamics and global diversification trends. As emerging market debt gains traction amid recent policy changes and currency fluctuations, the allure of higher yields and diversification opportunities becomes increasingly compelling. In this episode of Insights Now, join Gabriela Santos and Janet He, Head of EM Sovereign Research, as they explore the potential benefits and considerations of incorporating emerging market debt into investment portfolios.

Subscribe to the Notes on the Week Ahead podcast for more insights from Dr. David Kelly: Apple Podcasts | Spotify