Portfolio Intelligence Podcast

As equity markets continue to gain momentum following a March drawdown, host John Bryson welcomes Matt to help investors make sense of the market and economy, and how to navigate an uneasy rally. Matt shares his perspective on the drivers behind stronger-than-expected corporate earnings, portfolio concentration risks in AI, and attractive opportunities for diversification. Here’s a snippet of the...

As investors look to adapt portfolios to a more complex and uneven equity market, host John Bryson is joined by Josh to discuss how global long/short equity strategies can support portfolios in volatile times. Josh shares his perspective on why volatility and dispersion can create attractive opportunities for active investors, and how long/short strategies may help manage downside risk while seeki...

As investors assess both the opportunities and challenges in private credit, host John Bryson is joined by David T. Vincent, CFA, CAIA, Co-Head, Alternatives Intermediary Distribution at Manulife Investment Management, to discuss how the market has evolved and what investors should consider as they look beyond traditional asset classes. David shares his perspective on the growth of private credit...

As markets navigate energy supply disruptions and mixed economic data, Matt and Emily join the podcast to provide a timely, broad market update. They share their perspectives on how oil supply shocks are affecting markets, how energy dynamics are influencing inflation and growth expectations, and where they see potential opportunities across equities, fixed income, and alternatives. 1 What’s drivi...

After a bumpy year with shifting supply dynamics and uneven performance, the muni market has regained its footing. In this episode, host John Bryson speaks with Adam for a discussion on what’s driving improved performance and the opportunities for investors. Adam breaks down how issuance trends, investor flows, and structural factors are shaping the market. He also shares why investors should cons...

International equities have recently generated meaningful outperformance relative to U.S. equities, suggesting a material shift after an extended period of U.S. dominance. Host John Bryson is joined by Dean Bumbaca, CFA, portfolio manager at Axiom Investors, to discuss why international markets could continue to gain momentum and how global exposure can help investors capture these dynamic opportu...

As markets enter 2026, investors are seeking clarity on how to navigate shifting risks and opportunities. Matt and Emily join the podcast to provide a wide-ranging market update amid the ongoing volatility and geopolitical uncertainty. They share their perspectives on what investors should watch for in today’s environment, including the impact of global events on inflation, the importance of focus...

As the investment landscape continues to evolve, alternative investments are playing a larger role in portfolio construction. In this episode, host John Bryson talks with Pattie about the factors driving increased interest in this segment. Pattie shares insight into the development of new product structures, advances in technology, and the expanding access to private markets. She also addresses ho...

2025 was a year unlike any other, with politics and sentiment driving markets more than fundamentals. In this episode, host John Bryson welcomes Matt and Emily to share their views on what shaped the year and how they’re thinking about portfolio positioning for 2026. Matt and Emily discuss why they’re taking a “drafting the market” approach, i.e., remaining fully invested, with a focus on managing...

Medicare is a cornerstone of retirement planning, but its complexity can leave many retirees feeling overwhelmed. In this episode, host John Bryson, head of investment consulting, investment data analytics, and education savings at Manulife John Hancock Investments, welcomes Danielle to break down the Medicare essentials you need to know for 2026 and beyond. Danielle, author of the book 10 Costly...

After a year marked by early uncertainty and underperformance, the municipal bond market has rallied, offering investors attractive yields and renewed opportunity as 2025 draws to a close. In this episode, host John P. Bryson welcomes Adam for a timely discussion on what’s driving performance in the municipal bond market. Adam shares his perspective on how supply dynamics, investor flows, and sect...

As the economic landscape grows more complex, investors and advisors are facing new questions about growth, inflation, and what the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) may do next. In this episode, host John P. Bryson is joined by Matt and Emily, who discuss the strength of the ongoing market rally, recent volatility in the banking sector, the bond market, and rate-cut expectations. They emphasize thoughtf...

In a twist for the 100th episode of the Portfolio Intelligence podcast, the roles are reversed as Justin Clarke, CRPC, senior vice president, takes over duties to interview the series’ regular host, John Bryson, head of investment consulting. Since the podcast’s inception in 2020, John has been steering listeners through a myriad of market and investment views through insightful conversations with...

The landscape of college funding has shifted with the passage of OBBBA. As families prepare for future education costs, understanding these changes becomes crucial. In this episode, Mark joins podcast host John P. Bryson to unpack the details of this comprehensive legislation. He delves into how OBBBA affects federal student loan programs, Pell Grants, and college savings plans. Here’s a brief Q&A...

With fresh economic data and anticipated interest rate cuts from the U.S. Federal Reserve, the market has a lot to look forward to as the back-to-school season ushers in a time of renewed focus. In this episode, host John Bryson sits down with Matt and Emily for a timely check-in as summer draws to a close. They delve into the recent uptick in global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) readings and h...

Understanding the nuances of private and public fixed-income portfolios is crucial for advisors to deliver effective outcomes for clients. Our Head of Investment Product Management Matthew C. Hammer, CRPC, discusses strategies for crafting resilient fixed-income portfolios.

With the Social Security Fairness Act now in effect, significant changes are under way for retirement benefits. In a conversation with podcast host John P. Bryson, Brooke delves into the implications of eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and what the changes mean for current and future retirees. Here’s a glimpse into the conversation. 1 Wha...

Active ETFs are gaining traction as a tool for alpha generation, while the potential for an ETF share class has come to the forefront in the past few months. Steve discusses considerations for investors looking to incorporate these investment options into their portfolios in this episode with podcast host John P. Bryson. Here’s an excerpt from the conversation: 1 What are active ETFs? Steve: An ac...

Whether we’re considering domestic or international equities, market movements and valuations seem to be reflecting sentiments rather than underlying fundamentals. Moving into the second half of 2025, it’s crucial to look beyond inflated valuations and seek pockets of opportunity that offer both value and quality. In this episode, Matt and Emily talk to podcast host John P. Bryson about how invest...

The college admissions process can be incredibly competitive and stressful―intense strategizing is required. The lack of clarity around the role that standardized admissions tests such as the SAT and ACT play in the process doesn’t help. College admissions coach Nancy Steenson joins podcast host John Bryson on how best to navigate the evolving college admissions environment.

Spring, they say, can really hang you up the most―and that’s the tune that’s played out in the markets so far, in the wake of Liberation Day. Might the proposed tariffs lead to a recession? How should investors position their portfolios amid uncertainty? Take a listen to what Matthew D. Miskin, CFA, our co-chief investment strategist, has to say.

For many of us, the word “investor” tends to be closely associated with the male gender. This may need to change soon because women are on track to control 38% of investable wealth by 2030. Our Director of Practice Management, Kathleen Pritchard, and Divisional Sales Manager, Megan Hopps, explain why it’s time for the industry to reframe the way it approaches women and wealth.

Tariffs―a topic that’s dominated many conversations in recent days, and likely, for many more to come. Alex Grassino, global chief economist at Manulife Investment Management, joins podcast host John P. Bryson to explore how tariffs can affect the way businesses and consumers think about their decisions. Alex also explains why the relationship between tariffs and inflation may not be as straightfo...

Markets started the year on a slightly uneven footing as issues such as stock-price valuation, tariffs, and U.S. interest rates weighed on sentiment. While our Co-Chief Investment Strategists Emily R. Roland, CIMA, and Matthew D. Miskin, CFA, think compelling investing opportunities can still be found, they feel that it may be time for investors to adjust their expectations.

A new year typically ushers in new hopes. Where Wall Street’s concerned, 2025 may well ring in new highs. Emory W. (Sandy) Sanders, Jr., CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager at Manulife Investment Management shares his investment approach with podcast host, John P. Bryson, and explains why he’s feeling sanguine about the coming year.