Q1 2025 Fixed Income Symposium

February 06, 202511am ET / 8am PT

Overview

After a record year of net inflows in 2024 for fixed income ETFs and ongoing demand for mutual funds, interest should remain strong. However, with a new administration, fiscal and monetary policy could be different. We are excited to hear from bond experts across the asset management landscape about how investors should be positioned for the months ahead. We plan to talk about active management as well as index based strategies.

Topics covered will include:

An Active Manager’s Perspective on the Bond Market

How Muni Bonds Can Fit Into Your Portfolio

Private Credit: Market Insights and ETF Innovation

Taking an Active Approach to Muni Bonds

Moving Out of Cash & Into Short-Term Bonds

Register today for this free Symposium, accepted for two (2) continuing education (CE) credits by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards for the CFP® designation, The Investment and Wealth Institute for CIMA®, CPWA®, RMA®, and CIMC designations, The ETF Institute for the CETF® designation and The American College of Financial Services.

Agenda

11:00AM ET

Symposium Kickoff
11:05 AM ET

An Active Manager’s Perspective on the Bond Market

The Fed aggressively cut interest rates in 2024, but market expectations are that they will not repeat their efforts in 2025. Will the Fed cut at all, or are we in for a period of higher-for-longer? How should advisors position client portfolios across the various investment styles? We will hear from active fund managers to help us deal with the uncertainty.
11:25 AM ET

How Muni Bonds Can Fit Into Your Portfolio

Muni bonds have a unique set of characteristics — from tax treatment to types of access — that makes the category stand out from other fixed income assets. In addition, the new administration and a shift in Congress could create opportunities. The experts weigh in on this opportunity set, and explore how muni approaches support a broadly diversified portfolio.
11:45 AM ET

Private Credit: Market Insights and ETF Innovation

The private credit market is heating up as an area of focus, with advisors seeking to help clients diversify their fixed income exposure. The first ETFs providing access have just arrived, but some of the industry drivers remain under the radar. With the help of industry experts, we will shine a spotlight on private credit and answer questions about what’s ahead for ETF investors in 2025.
12:10 PM ET

Taking an Active Approach to Muni Bonds

The municipal bond market is vast and hard for advisors to get their arms around. The most appealing bonds may or may not be included in a broadly diversified index. That’s why we want to hear from active managers about where they see the best opportunities around the U.S.
12:30 PM ET

Moving Out of Cash & Into Short-Term Bonds

Many investors have been sitting on cash and equivalents due to high money market rates. However, the Fed recently cut rates, so taking on some duration is interesting. We’ll explore ideas on how to rethink cash-like positions and look at how to reallocate in the near term.
12:40 PM ET

VettaFi Wrap-Up