Content (83)
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White papersThe K-Shaped Economy Weighs on the U.S. Consumer
Consumer spending makes up over two-thirds of U.S. GDP. We expect 2026 consumption to be stable and contribute to solid GDP growth but remain concerned about higher inequality and the growing share of spending coming from high-income consumers.
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Asset Manager NewsMetLife Investment Management and PineBridge Investments
MetLife Investment Management and PineBridge Investments now have more to offer; broader reach, deep insights and specialized capabilities— forming a top-tier global investment platform.
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White papersQ4 2025 Private Credit Quarterly Review and Outlook
MetLife Investment Management’s Q4 2025 Private Credit Quarterly Review and Outlook highlights a resilient and active market environment supported by strong issuance, solid investor demand and stable macroeconomic conditions. The full report provides a sector-by-sector look at how markets performed, and what investors can expect entering 2026.
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White papersQ4 2025 Investment Grade Corporate Market Review and Outlook
The U.S. fixed income market demonstrated considerable resilience in the face of persistent economic uncertainty and a U.S. government shutdown. Fourth quarter returns within the investment grade credit space were mixed though, with excess returns modestly negative (-0.02% excess return) and total returns that were positive (0.87% total return) – supported by a dovish Federal Reserve policy stance, expectations for rate cuts and strong investor appetite for relatively attractive yields.
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White papersEmerging Markets: Uncovering Key Alpha Drivers Amid Shifting Global Dynamics
Emerging Markets (EM) enter 2026 on the heels of an exceptional 2025 — a year defined by strong total returns and resilient fundamentals despite global volatility. The EMBI Global Diversified returned 14.3%, the GBI-EM Global Diversified returned 19.3%, and the CEMBI Broad Diversified returned 8.7%.
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White papersQ4 2025 Equity Market Review
It has often been said that success and happiness lie within the journey rather than at the destination. For small cap investors, 2025 was a turbulent and twisting ride whose volatile journey fortunately ended with a successful outcome. After the 2024 Presidential election, equity markets rallied as many investors assumed the new administration’s focus on lower regulation and taxes would be beneficial to growth. Underlying economic activity was supportive of this conclusion, driven by consistent employment growth, better inflation trends and increased consumer activity.
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White papersWinners and Losers at the All-K Corral
Economic growth through the third quarter of 2025 came in above expectations and will likely end the year on a strong note. At the same time, the K-shaped economy is more present than ever: even outside the consumer. Most of our recent productivity gains have been concentrated in the information sector while others remain stagnant. Services industries continue to grow, but manufacturing has been in contraction for 34 out of the last 36 months. Large firms are also seeing strong profits, but small firms continue to struggle.
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White papers2026 Investment Grade Private Credit: Annual Review and Outlook
Investment grade private credit enters 2026 with steady supply and healthy investor demand, creating a constructive yet selective outlook. Elevated rates and shifting sector dynamics underscore the need for disciplined underwriting and a focus on risk-adjusted opportunities.
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White papers2026 Emerging Market Debt Outlook: Strengths Endure
For all the shifts in macroeconomic risk factors that swayed market sentiment last year, most credit markets delivered on expectations for carry-driven returns in 2025. Emerging market (EM) debt was an exception, recording strong excess returns in addition to carry driven by supportive market technicals along with fundamentals that have withstood macroeconomic risks.
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White papers2026 Multi-Asset Outlook: Back to Micro
Many believe the economy will slow throughout 2026, with inflation remaining stuck near 3% and a deflating AI bubble keeping U.S. markets lagging others throughout 2026. A bit too much extrapolation, perhaps? We are optimistic that U.S. markets will likely resume their leadership positions in 2026, particularly as AI investment continues.
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White papers2026 Equity Outlook: Alpha in the AI Age
Global equities climbed to new heights in 2025 despite trade and tariff turbulence and big questions about who will win and lose amid massive AI advancements and spending. Throughout the uncertainty, we have maintained our focus on identifying companies whose prospects are underappreciated by the market.
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White papers2026 Fixed Income Outlook: Stay Calm and Keep Your Carry On
Investors would be forgiven for worrying that credit issues may be looming. Recent isolated but high-profile bankruptcies have raised alarms that more such “cockroaches” may be hiding in the banking and private credit sectors — and have spawned fears of a more widespread “termite problem” eating away at the underlying financial system.
