The SWIB Podcast: SWIB Q2 2026 Market Update
The SWIB Podcast: SWIB Q2 2026 Market Update
July 17, 2026
When people think about the markets, they often picture stocks making headlines. But just as importantly, our fixed income team is busy keeping an eye on interest rates, inflation, economic data, and everything in between. It may not always grab the spotlight, but fixed income plays a critical role in the Core Fund and in supporting the long-term strength of the Wisconsin Retirement System.
In this quarter’s market update, Senior Portfolio Manager Jeff Lucas gives us a look inside the world of fixed income. He shares what’s been driving bond markets during the second quarter from the ongoing inflation conversation to Federal Reserve policy and the pace of economic growth. Jeff also explains how those forces shape investment decisions, why fixed income remains an important part of the Core Fund’s overall strategy, and the key economic indicators the fixed income team will be watching as we move through the second half of the year.
Whether you’re a fixed income expert or someone who simply wants to know what the bond team has been talking about lately, this update offers a quick, informative look at one of SWIB’s essential investment teams.
Click here to listen to this episode and all past episodes of The SWIB Podcast.
About SWIB
The State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB), created in 1951, is an independent state agency responsible for managing the assets of the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), the State Investment Fund (SIF), and other state trust funds. As of December 31, 2025, SWIB managed more than $178 billion of total assets, approximately 87% representing WRS assets. SWIB’s management of the WRS trust funds aims to provide a fully funded public pension for over 703,000 current and former employees of state agencies, the university system, school districts and most local governments. The WRS consistently ranks among the 10 largest public pension funds in the U.S. SWIB, a steady economic pillar for the state of Wisconsin, focuses on growing the trust funds, managing risk, and optimizing costs over the long term.