Episode 107: Liquidity and Volatility in the Bond Market with Shilpa Lakhani, Head of Portfolio Management-Fixed Income Solutions at DWS

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley sits down with Shilpa Lakhani, Head of Fixed Income Portfolio Solutions at DWS, to tackle two critical topics for insurance investors: liquidity and volatility in today’s bond markets. Shilpa provides an in-depth analysis of the macroeconomic landscape, explaining why 2022’s market conditions have been far from normal. From the Federal Reserve’s aggressive tightening cycle to inflationary pressures, spread widening, and deteriorating liquidity, Shilpa dissects the challenges—and opportunities—presented by these unprecedented times.

The conversation also highlights actionable strategies for insurance CIOs navigating these turbulent markets. Shilpa shares insights on positioning portfolios to mitigate risk, take advantage of elevated yields, and avoid potential pitfalls in asset classes such as subordinated consumer ABS and emerging market credit. Whether you’re managing a P&C insurer’s shorter-duration portfolio or a life company’s longer-term liabilities, this episode is packed with valuable perspectives on managing volatility and liquidity challenges in a shifting economic environment.