The Issue at Hand
A Madison Investments Fixed Income Series
Each month, we tackle one critical investment question shaping markets today. In a focused, unscripted conversation, we break down what’s driving the issue at hand and what the bond market is signaling. We then translate those insights into a clear, practical framework you can use to navigate client conversations and portfolio decisions with confidence.
Episodes launch every first Tuesday of the month. Watch us on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts!
Latest Episode
Market Brief: Previewing a Pivotal FOMC Meeting
In this episode, Chris Aleman and Mike Sanders take you beyond the headlines to focus on what actually matters: the Fed’s dual mandate, the economic data driving policy decisions, and the implications for investors.
Whether you’re preparing for client conversations or evaluating portfolio positioning, this episode provides a framework for interpreting one of the year’s most closely watched Fed meetings.
Meet the hosts
Mike Sanders, CFA®, FRM®
Head of Fixed Income, Portfolio Manager
Mike serves as a Portfolio Manager and is the Head of Fixed Income. Mike started in the financial services industry in 2004 and joined Madison in 2013. Prior to joining Madison, Mike was a Portfolio Manager at Ziegler Lotsoff Capital Management with an extensive background in credit research. He earned his BBA in finance from St. Norbert College, M.S. in economics from Marquette University and an MBA in analytical finance and accounting from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He is a CFA® Charterholder.
Christopher Aleman, CFA®
Regional Investment Director
Chris serves as a Regional Investment Director at Madison Investments. In this position, he covers Financial and Investment Advisors in the Northeast U.S. and Eastern Canada. Chris started in the financial services industry in 2007 and joined Madison in 2015. Prior to his current role, Chris was an Investment Product Specialist at J.P. Morgan Securities and Bear Stearns. He earned his BBA from St. Mary’s University, where he double majored in Corporate Finance and Financial Services/Risk Management. He is a CFA® Charterholder and FINRA-registered.
All Episodes
Upon request, Madison may furnish to the client or institution a list of all security recommendations made within the past year.
In addition to the ongoing market risk applicable to portfolio securities, bonds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk and inflation risk. When interest rates rise, bond prices fall; generally, the longer a bond’s maturity, the more sensitive it is to this risk. Credit risk is the possibility that the issuer of a security will be unable to make interest payments and repay the principal on its debt. Bonds may also be subject to call risk, which allows the issuer to retain the right to redeem the debt, fully or partially, before the scheduled maturity date. Proceeds from sales prior to maturity may be more or less than originally invested due to changes in market conditions or changes in the credit quality of the issuer.