In this week's jam-packed Market Minutes recap, hear from our team of experts as they share their perspectives on the latest economic reports. Our panel shares detailed insights into the U.S. Consumer Confidence report, GDP, PCE inflation, equities, the credit market, and municipal bonds.

Speakers:
Brian Pietrangelo, Managing Director of Investment Strategy
Rajeev Sharma, Head of Fixed Income
Stephen Hoedt, Head of Equities
Tim McDonough, Director of Fixed Income Portfolio Management

03:20 – The Conference Board’s U.S. Consumer Confidence report was released and showed a decline in overall consumer confidence due to factors such as the stock market, inflation, and others

03:58 – The final estimate of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the fourth quarter 2024 was reported at 2.4%, slightly revised up from prior estimates 

04:41 – The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported Core PCE inflation at 0.4% month-over-month in February, as well as 2.8% year-over-year, both unfavorable

06:11 – Comments on the equities market and how the market’s volatility is influencing investors’ thinking surrounding trades

11:31 – Though the recent PCE inflation report was less than favorable, the credit markets, investment grade and high yield bond spreads don’t seem to be adversely affected by the reading, as of now

15:22 – Remarks on the municipal bond market and changing dynamics of yield opportunities for investors