Episodes

  • Many investors, particularly those new to the asset class, equate private credit with direct lending. However, private credit encompasses a much broader space than just direct lending. This year, amid concerns over software exposure and rising credit stress in direct lending, we have seen increased interest in other strategies. In particular, distressed and special situations credit strategies, a large and established segment of the market, are gaining popularity.

    On today’s episode, Aaron Mulvihill is joined by Brad Demong, Co-Chief Investment Officer of the Global Special Situations Group at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. They discuss why interest in distressed and special situations credit strategies has grown, how the private credit market has repriced following dislocations earlier this year and how the current private equity landscape is creating opportunities for distressed and special situations investors.

    Resources:

    For more resources on Alternatives, visit our Guide to Alternatives and Principles of Alternatives InvestingListen to the audio version of the Alternative Realities podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
  • As equity markets become increasingly concentrated, investors are seeking strategies to diversify their exposures. Long-short strategies are one way to achieve this diversification while potentially capturing higher returns by building a portfolio that seeks to overweight winning stocks and short losing stocks.

    On today’s episode, Aaron Mulvihill is joined by Susan Bao, Portfolio Manager for the U.S. Equity Group, as they discuss the history of long-short strategies, why today’s environment has brought renewed interest in these strategies and where these types of strategies fit within investor portfolios.

    Resources:

    For more resources on Alternatives, visit our Guide to Alternatives and Principles of Alternatives InvestingListen to the audio version of the Alternative Realities podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
  • Missing episodes?

    Click here to refresh the feed.

  • At the year’s midpoint, investors face a landscape shaped by surging AI investment, geopolitical uncertainty and diverging economic fortunes. The AI boom is powering exceptional growth in technology and semiconductors, while higher energy prices and global tensions add complexity to inflation and consumer sentiment. Shifting central bank policies and evolving global trends are redefining the outlook for fixed income, international equities and alternative assets.

    In this episode, join Gabriela Santos, Chief Market Strategist for the Americas, and Dr. David Kelly, Chief Global Strategist, as they present their mid-year outlook and share timely insights for navigating today’s market crosscurrents.

    Watch the video version on YouTube.

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

  • With inflation expectations on the rise, volatility has returned and stocks and bonds are increasingly moving together. This is driving interest in uncorrelated and absolute return strategies that can generate returns regardless of what’s happening with broader market beta or the economy.

    On today’s episode, Aaron Mulvihill is joined by Bill Eigen, Head of the Absolute Return and Opportunistic Fixed Income team, to discuss where an absolute return strategy fits in portfolios, areas of opportunity Bill is seeing in the market and thoughts on where we are in today’s credit cycle—including private credit.

    Watch the video version on YouTube.

    Resources:

    For more resources on Alternatives, visit our Guide to Alternatives and Principles of Alternatives InvestingListen to the audio version of the Alternative Realities podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
  • Geopolitical volatility is reshaping the global economic landscape, influencing everything from energy markets and trade flows to technological innovation and security strategies. As events in Iran, Ukraine and China drive profound shifts across markets, investors are challenged to adapt to a world where resilience and strategic foresight are more critical than ever. Heightened defense spending, evolving supply chains, and new approaches to international cooperation are redefining opportunities and risks, demanding a sophisticated understanding of the forces at play.

    In this episode, Gabriela Santos, Chief Market Strategist for the Americas at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, is joined by Derek Chollet, Head of the JPMorganChase Center for Geopolitics, to share his perspectives on the geopolitical forces shaping today’s markets and tomorrow’s investment decisions.

    Watch the video version on YouTube.

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

  • College costs have soared well beyond inflation, making education planning a critical challenge for families and advisors. With public and private tuition rising faster than household incomes, the conversation has shifted from simply saving to strategically investing for education. Choosing the right vehicle—like a 529 plan—can make a meaningful difference, offering tax-deferred growth, tax-free withdrawals, and state-level benefits. This episode examines common misconceptions, the impact of procrastination and the realities of scholarships to provide a practical lens for advisors and parents seeking clarity in a changing environment.

    In this episode, join Gabriela Santos, Chief Market Strategist for the Americas, and Tricia Scarlata, Head of Education Savings at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, as they share actionable perspectives and personal experiences on building smarter education savings plans.

    Watch the video version on YouTube.

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

  • Last year, JPMorganChase announced the launch of the Security and Resiliency Initiative, a 10-year, $1.5 trillion plan to facilitate, finance and invest in industries critical to national security. With an initial $10 billion in direct equity investments, the initiative aims to help select companies accelerate growth, drive innovation and strengthen strategic manufacturing.

    As Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorganChase, put it, “It has become painfully clear that the United States has allowed itself to become too reliant on unreliable sources of critical minerals, products and manufacturing – all of which are essential for our national security.” In this episode, Aaron Mulvihill is joined by Jay Horine, Global Head of the Security and Resiliency Initiative, to discuss the priority areas that the initiative will be focusing on and the role that private companies play in making innovation happen.

    Watch the video version on YouTube.

    Resources:

    For more resources on Alternatives, visit our Guide to Alternatives and Principles of Alternatives InvestingListen to the audio version of the Alternative Realities podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
  • Amid fast-moving headlines and shifting market dynamics, it’s time to pause and take a fresh pulse on what matters most. From energy disruptions and inflation to the rise of AI and evolving consumer sentiment, today’s landscape calls for clarity and perspective. Explore the key forces shaping portfolios, uncover emerging opportunities, and rethink risk in a world where change is constant. In this episode, join Gabriela Santos, Chief Market Strategist for the Americas, and David Kelly, Chief Global Strategist, as they spotlight the market’s defining themes and offer timely insights for advisors and investors.

    Watch the video version on YouTube.

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

  • After a dynamic start to 2026, the alternative investment landscape is evolving rapidly. In this episode, Aaron Mulvihill sits down with Jed Laskowitz, Global Head of Private Markets and Customized Solutions, and Anton Pil, Head of Global Alternative Investment Solutions. Earlier this year, Jed and Anton shared their perspectives on the 2026 Alternative Investments Outlook, spotlighting the key themes and opportunities shaping private markets across asset classes.

    Now, as the year unfolds, they return to revisit those themes and explore how they’re playing out in real time. From the ripple effects of ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on private markets to the latest developments in private credit, they break down the forces driving today’s alternative investment environment.

    Watch the video version on YouTube.

    Resources:

    For more resources on Alternatives, visit our Guide to Alternatives and Principles of Alternatives InvestingListen to the audio version of the Alternative Realities podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
  • Navigating today’s dynamic markets means staying ahead of shifting sentiment, evolving fundamentals and global events that can shape investment strategies. From the impact of geopolitical conflicts on inflation and growth to the changing landscape of private credit and asset allocation, timely questions from clients reveal what’s top of mind for advisors and investors alike.

    In this episode, join Meera Pandit, Global Market Strategist, and Grant Papa, Research Analyst, as they answer timely client questions and share insights from the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Market Insights team.

    Watch the video version on YouTube.

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

  • The rapid evolution of the crypto landscape is reshaping how investors approach diversification, risk and opportunity. As digital assets like Bitcoin and Ether move from the fringes to the mainstream, their unique characteristics—decentralization, scarcity and volatility—are prompting new conversations about portfolio construction. Regulatory milestones, such as the Genius Act, are bringing greater legitimacy and structure to the market, while innovations like stablecoins are unlocking new possibilities for seamless, secure transactions.

    In this episode, join the Market Insights team's Jack Manley, Global Market Strategist, and Brandon Hall, Research Analyst, as they share expert perspectives on navigating the complexities and opportunities of the modern crypto market

    Watch the video version on YouTube.

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

  • U.S. infrastructure is at a crossroads. As economies expand and technology reshapes the landscape, the demand for robust, modern networks has never been greater. From highways and bridges to power grids and water systems, the pressure to build, maintain and upgrade is mounting, especially as artificial intelligence and data centers drive new requirements for energy and resources. In this environment, the need for strategic investment is urgent and the stakes are high.

    In today’s episode Aaron Mulvihill sits down with Darren Olson, Chair of the Committee for America's Infrastructure at the American Society of Civil Engineers. Darren leads the team behind the influential Report Card for America's Infrastructure, a comprehensive assessment that guides policymakers, investors and communities on where investment is most needed.

    Watch the video version on YouTube.

    Resources:

    For more resources on Alternatives, visit our Guide to Alternatives and Principles of Alternatives InvestingListen to the audio version of the Alternative Realities podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
  • Millennials and Gen Z are navigating a financial landscape defined by rising costs, shifting job markets, and evolving expectations around wealth and opportunity. As affordability challenges intensify—especially in housing, education and healthcare—these generations are rethinking how they spend, save and invest. Their unique perspectives are reshaping consumer trends, fueling growth in new sectors, and prompting companies to innovate in response to changing demands. From the influence of social media on spending habits to the impact of technology and AI on career prospects, the next generation is confronting existential questions about their financial futures. In this episode, Global Market Strategists Jack Manley and Jordan Jackson and Market Insights Research Analyst Katie Korngiebel share timely insights and personal perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing young Americans in today’s economy.

    Watch the video version on YouTube.

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

  • Global markets are flooded with headlines, from shifting geopolitics to evolving economic landscapes and the rapid expansion of private markets. As investors navigate these dynamic times, understanding the broader context is more crucial than ever. In today’s episode, Aaron Mulvihill is joined by Kerry Craig, Global Market Strategist in APAC and Aaron Hussein, Global Market Strategist in EMEA, for a candid conversation about the questions foremost in clients’ minds around the world. Together, they unpack the latest developments in energy and infrastructure, explore how global shipping routes are affecting supply chains and address the growing concerns and opportunities in private credit.

    Watch the video version on YouTube.

    Resources:

    For more resources on Alternatives, visit our Guide to Alternatives and Principles of Alternatives InvestingListen to the audio version of the Alternative Realities podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
  • Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the investment landscape, prompting new questions about risk, opportunity and the future of market leadership. As innovation accelerates and disruption becomes a constant, understanding how to navigate this evolving environment is more critical than ever. This conversation explores the forces shaping today’s public markets, the balance between fundamentals and sentiment, and the strategic decisions that can help investors stay ahead in a world defined by change. In this special crossover episode between Insights Now and Alternative Realities, we continue our “AI and Investing” series, diving into how AI is reshaping opportunities within public markets.

    In this episode, join Meera Pandit and Stephanie Aliaga, both Global Market Strategists on the Market Insights team for a timely exploration of AI’s impact on markets and the pathways to resilient, forward-looking portfolios.

    Watch the video version on YouTube.

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

  • Energy markets are on edge as geopolitical risk meets shifting demand, elevating the importance of balance, quality and discipline in portfolio construction. Markets are pricing a near term risk premium while longer dated benchmarks remain steadier, yet timing matters as continued Strait of Hormuz disruptions can shift outcomes on a week by week basis.

    Join Aaron Mulvihill, Global Alternatives Strategist, and Aga Zmigrodzka, Equity Research Analyst, Energy and Infrastructure, at J.P. Morgan Asset Management as they discuss what’s next for oil markets and where disciplined capital allocation and strong balance sheets may uncover durable opportunities across the energy value chain.

    Watch the video version on YouTube.

    Resources:

    For more resources on Alternatives, visit our Guide to Alternatives and Principles of Alternatives InvestingListen to the audio version of the Alternative Realities podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
  • Markets have seen strong performance in recent years, but as we look to the future, attention is turning to the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, particularly within private markets. In this special crossover episode between Insights Now and Alternative Realities, we launch Part 1 of our “AI and Investing” series, diving into how AI is reshaping opportunities and risks beyond the public market headlines.

    Aaron Mulvihill, Global Alternatives Strategist, is joined by Stephanie Aliaga, Global Market Strategist on the Market Insights team at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. They discuss which sectors are most vulnerable to AI disruption, why private markets have become the home to many of the world’s leading AI companies and the trends she’s seeing across the AI landscape.

    Watch the video version on YouTube.

    Resources:

    For more resources on Alternatives, visit our Guide to Alternatives and Principles of Alternatives InvestingListen to the audio version of the Alternative Realities podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
  • Equity markets are shifting, with value and quality equities stepping into the spotlight and AI’s impact reaching far beyond technology. Small- and mid-cap names are drawing fresh attention, while international and emerging markets are finding new momentum. Changing consumer trends, evolving fiscal policy and sector standouts in financials and healthcare are all shaping the landscape for investors seeking what’s next. In this episode, join the Market Insights team's Meera Pandit, Global Market Strategist, and Katie Korngiebel, Research Analyst, as they share timely perspectives on the forces driving equities and where opportunity may emerge in today’s market.

    Watch the video version on YouTube.

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

  • In today’s episode, Aaron Mulvihill, Global Alternatives Strategist, is joined by Brian Coleman, Co-Head of Investments for the Private Credit Solutions Group within J.P. Morgan Asset Management, to dive into private credit, an asset class that continues to be popular with investors due to its yield pick-up compared to traditional fixed income. However, private credit does not come without risk. They discuss some of these risks in certain sectors, as well as the outlook for private credit and opportunities outside of direct lending.

    Watch the video version on YouTube.

    Resources:

    For more resources on Alternatives, visit our Guide to Alternatives and Principles of Alternatives InvestingListen to the audio version of the Alternative Realities podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
  • Following the announcement of a new Fed chair, we explore the evolving landscape of monetary policy and its impact on markets. Our experts break down what a change at the top could mean for interest rates, inflation and the broader investment environment. The discussion covers the latest Fed meeting, the outlook for rate cuts and the influence of fiscal stimulus on consumer spending and market momentum.

    Gain insights into the dynamics of a tight, but not necessarily strong, labor market, the implications of shifting immigration trends and the potential for inflation to remain sticky in the months ahead.

    Join Jordan Jackson, Global Market Strategist, and Brandon Hall, Research Analyst, as they share their perspectives on the Fed’s direction, market positioning and what lies ahead for investors.

    Watch the video version on YouTube.

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