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Market Outlooks
Economic growth rebounds but government support expected to roll off
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The recovery continues to pick up speed, particularly in the US and the UK where both nations have successfully vaccinated a majority of the population. The International Monetary Policy (IMF) have raised global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecasts by 0.8% to 6% for 2021.
Fixed Income Insights
June 2021 BMO Fixed Income Market Update
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U.S. GDP estimates released in May showed the economy grew 6.4% in the first quarter, unchanged from the prior estimate and modestly below expectations.
Market Outlooks
Transitory or sustained inflation?
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That is the question that continues to dominate markets. Central banks have been dogged in arguing the former. Richard Clarida of the Federal Reserve, for example, pointed to transitory factors such as base effects and supply chain bottlenecks that are behind the recent uptick in inflation.
Market Outlooks
Fiscal fails to disappoint
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Following the Democrats’ January win in the Georgia runoff election, we expected the Biden administration and Congress to move quickly on fiscal stimulus, though there were doubts as to whether the package would be as significant as the politicians promised.
Fixed Income Insights
April 2021 Fixed Income Market Update
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We continue to observe demand for income-generating assets with additional relative value opportunities across the sector, quality and security levels.
Behavioral Finance
Regular Contributions Drive Wealth
Many investors wait until they have “enough” money or for when it’s “a good time” to invest in the market. Making regular contributions regardless of these concerns is one of the most powerful ways to build wealth.
Market Outlooks
Back to the future of fixed income, part 2: The search for more income
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In our original Back to the future of fixed income, we explored the value of and demand for income in an era of historically low government yields. For a sequel, we delve into an oft-maligned and misunderstood market segment: high yield. Described less generously as ‘junk’, we see a complex and evolving market segment, one that is essential in any conversation about income.
Fixed Income Insights
Beware the ides of March
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As the first quarter draws to a close, investors should be mindful of the seasonal weakness typically seen with municipal bonds (munis) at this time of year. This seasonality is due to a confluence of factors, including an uptick in supply (versus a lack of), fewer maturing bonds and lower coupon payments – and a potential pause in industry flows as a result of investors paying their tax bills in April.
Retirement
Can I invest my IRA in this?
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Alternative assets, such as cryptocurrencies, art, private equity and more, have seen a surge in press coverage over the past decade, to the point that many of these alternative investments have become more mainstream than ever before.
Market Outlooks
Inflation: base effects versus spare capacity
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The prospect of inflation remains a hot topic for both investors and policy makers. Chair Powell, in his testimony to Congress this month stressed that ‘inflation risks are to the downside’. He stated that inflation in the coming months is likely to jump as a result of ‘base effects.’
Fixed Income Insights
Why BBB munis are an A+ opportunity in our books
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Investment grade muni spreads tightened significantly since March, but still remain elevated in some areas versus historical averages.
Fixed Income Insights
February 2021 Fixed Income Market Update
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In our view, January may prove to be a microcosm of the new year. Optimism abounds for progress against the pandemic and a rapid economic recovery, but challenges remain on both fronts.