Basis Points
Macro commentary and expert-led discussions highlight what’s happening now in fixed income investing, so you can prepare for what’s next. Investing involves risks including loss of principal. This material represents the opinions of the participants at a specific time and is not intended to forecast future events or guarantee future results and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Kevin Flanagan is a registered rep of Foreside Fund Services, LLC.
Episodes
Markets reacted quickly to the nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Fed Chairman, but the bigger story lies beyond the headlines. This week on the Basis Points podcast, Kevin Flanagan weighs Warsh’s Fed background, policy instincts and what a balance-sheet-focused Fed could mean for bonds.
Basis point: 1/100th of 1 percent.
Learn more: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/multimedia/basis-points-podcasts#Listen%20now
P...
Policy headlines are creating fresh opportunities in securitized markets. This week on the Basis Points podcast, Kevin Flanagan is joined by Dave Goodson, Head of Securitized at Voya Investment Management, to break down the Trump administration’s proposed $200 billion purchase of agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS), what’s already priced in and where active fixed income managers may find relative value. They also explore why a ...
After a flurry of rate cuts at the end of 2025, the FOMC decided to pause their rate cuts at the January meeting, keeping the fed funds trading range at 3.50%–3.75%. This week on the Basis Points podcast, Kevin Flanagan explains why this shift may mark a move toward neutral policy and how labor market data could steer the next phase of decision-making.
Basis point: 1/100th of 1 percent.
Learn more: https://www.wisdomtree.com/...
Bank loans come with yield, but also risk. This week on the Basis Points podcast, Kevin Flanagan explains how the WisdomTree Interest Rate Hedged High Yield Bond Fund (HYZD) offers a high-yield, zero-duration alternative with quality screening designed to reduce credit 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 Glo...
The steepening yield curve isn’t just a forecast, it’s atest.
This week on the Basis Points podcast, Kevin Flanagan breaks down a horizon analysis using our 2026 Economic & Market Outlook, showing how short-term Treasuries could outperform while long duration risks negative returns.
Basis point: 1/100th of 1 percent.
Learn more: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/multimedia/basis-points-podcasts#Listen%20now
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...
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%2...
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...
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 Decembe...
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.
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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.
Basis point: 1/100th of 1 percent.
Learn more: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/multimedia/basis-points-podcasts#Listen%20now
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
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/...
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.
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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 Service...
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...
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 ...
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.
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