Fed Rate Cuts Could Boost Municipal Bonds
Municipal Bonds Outlook: Principal Asset Management indicates that municipal bonds are expected to benefit from potential interest-rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, with a 40% increase in supply leading to lower prices but promising value for high-quality municipals.
European Credit Assets Performance: Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management reports strong performance in European credit assets due to low new issuance and positive economic indicators, particularly highlighting the success of contingent convertible bonds (Cocos) which have gained significantly year-to-date.
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- Fundraising Initiative: Morgan Stanley is seeking to raise $500 million for a new India-focused continuation vehicle, aiming to transfer eight healthcare investments into this vehicle, thereby enhancing its investment portfolio in the Indian healthcare market.
- Asset Overview: The assets planned for transfer include Omega Hospitals, where Morgan Stanley acquired a minority stake in 2024, and RG Scientific, where it secured a controlling interest the same year, further solidifying its presence in the healthcare sector.
- Investor Engagement: The bank's asset management arm has begun approaching investors regarding this plan, reflecting its confidence in the Indian healthcare market and its focus on future growth opportunities.
- Strategic Market Implications: By consolidating these healthcare investments into the new continuation vehicle, Morgan Stanley not only optimizes its asset allocation but also positions itself more favorably within the rapidly growing Indian healthcare industry.
- Dividend Announcement: Morgan Stanley has declared a regular dividend for its Preferred Stock Series M and N, payable on March 16, 2026, to stockholders of record as of February 27, 2026, reflecting the firm's commitment to shareholder returns.
- Multiple Series Dividends: Additionally, dividends for Preferred Stock Series A, C, E, F, I, K, L, O, P, and Q will be paid on April 15, 2026, with a record date of March 31, 2026, further enhancing investor confidence in the company's stability.
- Global Business Presence: With offices in 42 countries, Morgan Stanley offers a diverse range of financial services including investment banking, securities, wealth management, and investment management, showcasing the success of its global strategy.
- Diverse Clientele: The firm serves a wide array of clients including corporations, governments, institutions, and individuals, underscoring its significant position and influence in the global financial services market.
- Volume Analysis: Morgan Stanley's options trading volume reached 36,058 contracts today, equivalent to approximately 3.6 million shares, representing 40.9% of its average daily trading volume of 8.8 million shares over the past month.
- High-Frequency Options: Notably, the $160 strike put option expiring on February 20, 2026, saw a trading volume of 10,547 contracts today, representing about 1.1 million shares, indicating market interest in this price range.
- Intuit Inc Dynamics: Concurrently, Intuit Inc's options trading volume stood at 16,855 contracts, approximately 1.7 million shares, accounting for 40.5% of its average daily trading volume of 4.2 million shares over the past month.
- Market Trends: The $490 strike put option also attracted attention with a trading volume of 5,307 contracts today, representing around 530,700 shares, reflecting investors' expectations for future market volatility.
Investor Sentiment: Investors are increasingly cautious about disruptive AI technologies, leading to swift sell-offs in the stock market when threats are perceived.
Impact on Wealth Management: The wealth management sector experienced significant declines, particularly for companies like Charles Schwab and LPL Financial, following the announcement of a new AI tax planning tool by Altruist.
AI Tool Launch: Altruist's new AI tax planning tool is considered groundbreaking by some financial advisors, contributing to the negative market reaction.
Market Reaction: The launch of innovative AI solutions in finance is causing volatility in related stocks, as investors reassess the potential impact on traditional wealth management firms.
- Potential Refunds: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on February 20 regarding Trump's tariff regime, with a ruling in favor potentially triggering refunds exceeding $130 billion, significantly reshaping American trade policy.
- Increased Household Tax Burden: U.S. households are projected to face an average tax increase of $1,000 in 2025, rising to $1,300 in 2026, highlighting the direct economic impact of tariffs on ordinary citizens.
- Tariff Revenue Figures: According to CBP data, the U.S. collected over $200 billion in tariffs between January 20 and December 15, 2025, with total customs revenue for 2025 estimated at $264 billion, yielding a net gain of approximately $132 billion after accounting for economic drag.
- Market Reaction: Following Trump's April 2025
- Shareholder Relief: AppLovin shareholders are relieved as a financial publisher has retracted all claims of wrongdoing against the advertising platform.
- Suspension of Updates: The financial publisher has also suspended any future updates regarding the claims.









