COVID-19 and market volatility

We witnessed significantly higher inflation than expected, including the highest monthly core inflation print in four decades, as well as a jobs report that underwhelmed projections so badly it shifted the narrative on unemployment policy.

While there has been dramatic spread tightening within the riskiest portion of the credit universe, opportunities may remain within the higher quality segments of high yield.

As Q1 2021 draws to a close, investors should be mindful of the seasonal weakness typically seen with municipal bonds at this time of year.

As investors rethink fixed income, understanding the state of high yield is imperative in addressing today’s income challenge and to successfully navigating the future of fixed income.

The potent combination of loose monetary policy and increased government spending should lead to increased consumer spending, especially given the elevated current savings rate, and additional stimulus checks going out to households. 

To build back better post-COVID in support of a more resilient economy and businesses, we need to put the interests of women at the heart of the recovery.