The Treasury yield curve steepened in 2025, and 2026 could bring more of the same. This week on the Basis Points podcast, Kevin Flanagan explains why an active/passive barbell strategy is a timely way to capture income potential while managing duration risk.
Basis point: 1/100th of 1 percent.
Learn more: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/multimedia/basis-points-podcasts#Listen%20now
Please see the WisdomTree Glossary for additional definitions of terms and/or indexes: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/glossary
The Fed’s divisions may run deeper than the official vote count suggests. This week on the Basis Points podcast, Kevin Flanagan unpacks the concept of “silent dissenters,” what the dot plot signals about rate cuts, and why a shifting FOMC could make future policy decisions even more data dependent.
Basis point: 1/100th of 1 percent
Learn more:
https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/multimedia/basis-points-podcasts#Listen%20now
Please see the WisdomTree Glossary for additional definitions of terms and/or indexes:
https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/glossary
As expected, the Fed delivered a third straight 25-basis-point rate cut at the December FOMC meeting. With the resumption of rate cuts now at round three, Kevin Flanagan explains how Powell’s “risk management” approach, internal Fed divisions, and missing data raise key questions about what 2026 could bring—and whether the recalibration now needs a recalibration of its own.
Basis point: 1/100th of 1 percent.
Learn more: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/multimedia/basis-points-podcasts#Listen%20now
Please see the WisdomTree Glossary for additional definitions of terms and/or indexes:
https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/glossary
How can new hiring and the unemployment rate rise at the same time? In this episode of Basis Points, Kevin Flanagan explains the mechanics behind September’s seemingly contradictory jobs report, where strong payroll gains coincided with a higher jobless rate. He breaks down the two BLS surveys that drive these numbers, why they can diverge month to month, and what this dynamic means for the Fed as policymakers head into the December FOMC meeting with limited additional data.
Basis point: 1/100th of 1 percent.
Learn more: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/multimedia/basis-points-podcasts#Listen%20now
Please see the WisdomTree Glossary for additional definitions of terms and/or indexes: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/glossary
The latest market focus is back on the Fed, and a growing divide inside the FOMC. This week on the Basis Points podcast, Kevin Flanagan breaks down why policymakers are split on additional rate cuts ahead of the December meeting—and what regional Fed presidents are signaling about inflation risks. With key labor data on deck, find out what could shape the Fed’s next move.
Basis point: 1/100th of 1 percent.
Learn more: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/multimedia/basis-points-podcasts#Listen%20now
Please see the WisdomTree Glossary for additional definitions of terms and/or indexes:
https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/glossary
It’s time to go back to basics with fixed income. This week on the Basis Points podcast, Kevin Flanagan, shares how tax-aware laddered bond strategies in both municipal and Treasury markets may help investors stay disciplined, diversify effectively, and manage after-tax income.
Yields are hovering just above 4%, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to extend duration. This week on Basis Points, Kevin Flanagan explains why sticky inflation, a non-recessionary backdrop, and muted yield spreads argue for patience, not positioning long.
Basis point: 1/100th of 1 percent.
Learn more: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/multimedia/basis-points-podcasts#Listen%20now
Please see the WisdomTree Glossary for additional definitionsof terms and/or indexes: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/glossary
As was widely expected, the Fed implemented a 25bp rate cut at the October FOMC meeting, bringing the new fed funds trading range down to 3.75%–4%. This week on Basis Points, Kevin Flanagan breaks down how labor market trends, inflation pressures and the Fed’s view of a “neutral” rate could shape the path forward in December and beyond.
Basis point: 1/100th of 1 percent.
Learn more: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/multimedia/basis-points-podcasts#Listen%20now
Please see the WisdomTree Glossary for additional definitionsof terms and/or indexes: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/glossary
What if the labor market is turning a corner? This week on Basis Points, Kevin Flanagan discusses the “other side of the trade” asking whether the Fed and bond market may be underestimating the strength of the jobs picture. With recent Fed commentary focused on labor market risk, Kevin considers the possibility that we’ve already seen the softest prints and how that could shape the path forward for rates and investor expectations.
Basis point: 1/100th of 1 percent.
Please see the WisdomTree Glossary for additional definitions of terms and/or indexes: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/glossary
Who’s next to lead the Fed? This week on Basis Points, Kevin Flanagan discusses the five candidates reportedly on the shortlist to succeed Chair Powell and what each pick could signal for monetary policy, rate changes and market confidence. Listen now to hear what may be on the horizon as the nomination process heats up.
Basis point: 1/100th of 1 percent.
With the government shutdown now stretching into its second week, key data releases have been delayed and uncertainty is rising. In this week’s episode of Basis Points, Kevin Flanagan shares how investors should interpret the lack of new economic data, and why the current backdrop differs from shutdowns of the past. Listen now for perspective on rates, risks, and what could come next.
Basis point: 1/100th of 1 percent.
ISM Services PMI: The ISM Services PMI (formerly the ISM Non-Manufacturing Index) provides a detailed look at the economy from a non-manufacturing standpoint.
Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI): An indicator of the economic health of the manufacturing sector. The PMI is based on five major indicators: new orders, inventory levels, production, supplier deliveries and the employmentenvironment. A reading above 50 indicates an expansion of the manufacturing sector compared to the previous month; below 50 represents a contraction while 50 indicates no change.
Where should fixed income investors look now that the Fed has resumed rate cuts? In this episode of Basis Points, Kevin Flanagan explains why Treasury Floating Rate Notes continue to stand out as a compelling option in today’s shifting interest rate landscape. Listen now for perspective on positioning portfolios in a lower-rate environment and why flexibility matters more than ever.
Basis point: 1/100th of 1 percent.
Please see the WisdomTree Glossary for additional definitions of terms and/or indexes: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/glossary
As was widely expected, the Fed implemented a 25-basis-point rate cut at today's FOMC meeting, bringing the new Fed Funds trading range down to 4%–4.25%. This week on Basis Points, Kevin Flanagan explains why the Fed’s next steps may hinge on how job growth evolves and whether inflation keeps creeping above target.
Basis point: 1/100th of 1 percent.
Please see the WisdomTree Glossary for additional definitions of terms and/or indexes: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/glossary
How low can yields go and what comes next? This week on Basis Points, Kevin Flanagan unpacks the latest jobs report and what it signals for the Fed’s next move. With signs of labor market cooling, Kevin discusses the path ahead for Treasury yields and how a measured rate cut cycle could support a more stable, constructive environment for fixed income investors. Basis point: 1/100th of 1 percent.
What’s really happening inside the Fed? This week on Basis Points, Kevin Flanagan breaks down recent headlines around Chair Powell’s future, board reshuffling, and what it all could mean for upcoming policy decisions. With a rate cut in play, Kevin offers perspective on how the Fed operates, what could shape the next FOMC outcome, and why the data still leads the way.
Basis point: 1/100th of 1 percent.
Following the softer than expected July jobs report, the money and bond markets have fully embraced the narrativethat a Fed rate cut will be coming at the September FOMC meeting. In this episode, Kevin Flanagan gives his thoughts on the Treasury yield curves to watch and where they may be headed in the months ahead.
Basispoint: 1/100th of 1 percent.
Please see the WisdomTreeGlossary for additional definitions of terms and/or indexes: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/glossary
A surprisingly soft July jobs report – and what appears to be the largest non-COVID downward revision since 1979 – has shifted the Fed conversation. In this week’s episode of Basis Points, Kevin Flanagan breaks down why a September rate cut may now be in play, what to watch in upcoming inflation data, and how investors can position portfolios with short-duration fixed income strategies.
Basis point: 1/100th of 1 percent. Please see the WisdomTree Glossary for Definitions of terms and indexes: https://www.wisdomtree.com/glossary
At the July FOMC meeting, the Fed left rates unchanged for the fifth straight time, holding firm at 4.25%–4.50%. This week on the Basis Points podcast, Kevin Flanagan explains why mixed data, tariff risks and signs of internal dissent are keeping policy makers cautious on the next move.
Basis point: 1/100th of 1 percent.
Private credit is no longer just for institutions and investors are taking notice. This week on the Basis Points podcast, Kevin Flanagan is joined by Chris Acito, CEO of Gapstow Capital Partners, to unpack what private credit is, why it’s gaining traction and how investors can access it through the WisdomTree Private Credit and Alternative Income Fund (HYIN). Listen now to learn why this asset class is resonating with investors and how it could fit in your portfolio.
Basis Point: 1/100th of a percent.
Wondering what the second half of 2025 could look like for muni bonds? This week on Basis Points, Kevin Flanagan talks with Jeff Burger, Senior Portfolio Manager at Insight Investment, about why recent legislation, aka the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, may be opening up new doors for Muni investors. From market supply to income potential, get the inside scoop on what makes WTMU and WTMY timely fixed income ideas.Basis Points: 1/100th of 1 percent.