UBS On-Air: Market Moves

The seventh edition of CIO’s 250 years of US innovation series, A great future in plastics, examines how credit cards evolved from a simple piece of plastic into a global payments infrastructure. Our conversation explores how networks, technology, and trust transformed everyday transactions, reshaping commerce and the modern economy. Featured is Jeff Harwood, Financials Equity Strategist Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

The longer the Strait of Hormuz is closed, the less market impact US President Trump’s early morning social media posts are likely to have. While physical reserves exist, prices can move on expectations. As physical shortages become a threat, expectations will have less of an impact—bad news for speculators placing conveniently timed trades. However, consumers can absorb higher prices for a time.

Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas, drops by to review the latest allocation recommendations and key messages from the UBS Chief Investment Office, per the May edition of the UBS House View. We also assess how the markets are now viewing the US-Iran War, performance of Q1 corporate earnings, and what to expect from this week’s FOMC meeting. Host: Daniel Cassidy

Media reports suggest Iran’s government has proposed terms to the US to allow a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Markets’ bias to optimism produced a positive reaction. The terms apparently defer nuclear discussions, which may be a problem for the US administration. Recent polls gave US President Trump very weak approval ratings over the US affordability crisis, suggesting there could be political pressures to return to the pre-war position in the Gulf.

An influx of large-scale US IPOs is set to reshape market dynamics, creating new competition for capital, index presence, and profit pools. Fast-tracked index additions could drive rotation out of the largest index names. At the same time new AI-focused companies target digital profit pools. We see this as a signal to diversify beyond the biggest index weights and consider physical assets less exposed to AI disruption. Tune in at the start of the trading week for this regular market outlook from Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi, Chief Investment Officer Americas and Global Head of Equities.