Robert J. McCann, Chief Executive Officer of UBS Wealth Management Americas (WMA), hosted an exclusive client event in Miami, as part of WMA's ongoing Revitalizing America Initiative, which aims to forge common ground and discuss nonpartisan ways to revitalize the U.S. economy. Presidents William J. Clinton and George W. Bush shared their unique insights on a range of issues including job creation, national debt, the role of capital markets and the country's economic recovery.

Preceding the presidential conversation, author of Election Watch 2012, Mike Ryan, WMA's Chief Investment Strategist, hosted a discussion on current the political climate and impact on investors today with John Savercool, Senior Lobbyist and Managing Director of UBS Americas, Rick Rieder, Chief Investment Officer of Fundamental Fixed Income Portfolios at BlackRock, and Russ Koesterich, Global Head of Investment Strategy at BlackRock.

Following the event, McCann commented, "We launched the Revitalizing America initiative last year in response to clients' concerns about the state of our nation. With the presidential election approaching, this initiative is more relevant than ever, as we continue to focus on what we as a country can do together to revitalize America - from growing enterprise and accelerating job creation to strengthening our fiscal standing. Participating as they have in this important UBS initiative over the past year, I am honored and grateful that the two presidents have chosen to share their wisdom with our clients. I hope that we can all learn from the example of selfless leadership these great Americans continue to set as we face the challenge of revitalizing our economy with renewed inspiration. "

Demonstrating its commitment to helping clients better understand the issues that matter to them the most, WMA's dedicated Wealth Management Research unit published Election Watch 2012, the first in a series of reports designed to guide investors through the critical issues and developments of this election season.

Highlights of the report include:

  • Improving economic conditions and firming job approval ratings should help President Obama win a second term.
  • Republicans appear poised to win a narrow majority in the Senate and will retain a slimmed-down majority in the House.
  • Continued gridlock is expected, since Senate Democrats will likely retain enough seats to prevent the passage of major legislation. With broad philosophical issues about the size and role of government, compromise seems unlikely.
  • Fiscal imbalances are large enough to act as a drag on economic growth. However, legislation to curtail deficit spending appears unlikely given the deep ideological divide.
  • Markets typically do better in the third year of a president's term regardless of party.
  • Elections and leadership transitions will dominate the global investment landscape in 2012. Countries representing nearly 50% of global GDP will either hold elections or undergo a leadership transition this year and economic and financial market trends could hinge decisively on the outcomes of these elections.

About UBS Wealth Management Americas

UBS Wealth Management Americas provides advice-based relationships through financial advisors who deliver a fully integrated set of products and services specifically designed to address the needs of ultra high net worth, high net worth and core affluent individuals and families. It includes the Wealth Management US business, the domestic Canadian business and the international business booked in the United States.

About UBS Wealth Management Americas Revitalizing America Initiative

Launched in response to investors' deep concerns about America's long-term economic growth, UBS Wealth Management Americas Revitalizing America Initiative comprises a series of speaking engagements and programs that UBS will host over the course of the year, aimed at forging common ground and discussing how, together, we can revitalize the U.S. economy. In support of the initiative, UBS WMA has published "Revitalizing America: Forging a New Path toward Economic Prosperity," a report on the challenges facing the nation's economy. Additional information available at: http://financialservicesinc.ubs.com/revitalizingamerica/

About UBS

UBS draws on its 150-year heritage to serve private, institutional and corporate clients worldwide, as well as retail clients in Switzerland. The firm combines its wealth management, investment banking and asset management businesses with its Swiss operations to deliver superior financial solutions.

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New York Contact:
Karina Byrne
Head of Media Relations
UBS Wealth Management Americas
UBS Global Asset Management
Tel: +1 212 882 5692
Karina.byrne@ubs.com