Get to know Mary Ann Hurley, Vice President, Fixed Income Trader
A market commentator and 30-year veteran of the financial industry, Mary Ann shares useful insights ranging from where she thinks interest rates are headed to her own idea of perfect happiness.
1. How would you describe your job/role to someone outside of our industry?
I am a bond trader, which means I buy and sell agency and Treasury securities for our clients, both institutional and retail. I also write a weekly commentary about the economy and monetary policy and answer interview questions from the news media for articles about those topics.
2. What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy the fact that things are not static in my role. Something is always changing, whether it is the Fed, the economy, market spreads or current events. Many variables can and do impact market movements which in turn affects my market opinions and decisions.
3. No education can teach you to anticipate shifts and trends in the markets, so how do you deliver forecasting?
I am not a statistician. Consequently I try to use common sense and look at what the Fed is doing, the mindset and situation of the consumer, the political environment and any other factors that may have an impact on economic growth and thus on market movements.
4. Speaking of forecasting and given your focus on fixed income markets, what are your thoughts about interest rates in the U.S.?
I expect the yield curve to flatten further with the 10-year note yielding about a 2.25% at year’s end.
5. What book is currently on your nightstand?
“Glimmers of Change” by Ginny Dye. I love historical fiction, and this is book seven of a series that chronicles the Civil War.
6. Which living person do you most admire?
Not one, a group: first responders. Their job is extremely difficult and they provide an invaluable service in what are usually horrible events.
7. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Good health for family and friends is an important foundation. And, of course, financial security would allow one to pursue any interest.
Information contained herein is from sources we consider reliable, but is not guaranteed, and we are not soliciting any action based upon it. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, based on interpretation of data available at the time of original publication of this article. These opinions are subject to change at any time without notice. Investors should consult their financial and/or tax advisor before implementing any investment plan.