How Fixed-Income ETFs Transformed Bond Markets: Lessons from BlackRock’s Steve Laipply

Are bonds boring? That’s their reputation—and it’s a big part of why investors embrace them.But Steve Laippley, global co-head of iShares fixed-income ETFs at BlackRock, thinks there’s also a lot more excitement to bonds than we give them credit for.In this episode, Steve talks with Ben and Julie about:ETFs’ role in transforming investor access to bondsThe value of bond ETFs in providing liquidity, transparency, and price discoveryHow fixed-income ETFs fared during the covid-19 market turmoilRecent innovations in the fixed-income spaceCatch up on previous episodes: https://www.morningstar.com/views/podcasts/big-picture-in-practice Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Schwab’s Rob Williams and Inga Rachwald join Ben and Julie to unpack why retirement income is first and foremost a planning challenge—one that demands balancing emotional biases, clear goals, and smart investment choices. Together, they explore how advisors can reframe conversations around income, broaden clients’ understanding of risk, and apply practical strategies that connect portfolios to real-life outcomes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Visit the Big Picture in Practice website: https://www.morningstar.com/business/insights/podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Morgan Stanley CIO Jim Caron explains how Trump’s tariff-funded fiscal policy could impact market volatility, sector trends, and investor portfolios. Visit the Big Picture in Practice website: https://www.morningstar.com/business/insights/podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Explore with BNY Wealth’s Sinead Colton Grant how private markets, risk tolerance, and asset allocation shape wealth strategies in today’s volatile market.Visit the Big Picture in Practice website: https://www.morningstar.com/business/insights/podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Grayscale’s Dave LaValle and John Hoffman share how advisors can navigate crypto’s rapid evolution, from understanding the technology and ETF parallels to preparing for regulatory shifts and AI-driven innovation as digital asset adoption accelerates.Visit the Big Picture in Practice website: https://www.morningstar.com/business/insights/podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Additional resources:Read a summary of this episode: https://www.morningstar.com/business/insights/blog/podcasts/big-picture-in-practice/evidence-driven-financial-advisor-valueCatch up on previous episodes: https://www.morningstar.com/views/podcasts/big-picture-in-practice Questions or ideas? Email us at [email protected]. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Additional resources:Read a summary of this episode: https://www.morningstar.com/business/insights/blog/podcasts/big-picture-in-practice/advisor-engagement-strategiesCatch up on previous episodes: https://www.morningstar.com/views/podcasts/big-picture-in-practiceSubscribe to our newsletter: https://www.morningstar.com/business/insights/research/big-picture-in-practice-newsletter Questions or ideas? Email us at [email protected]. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episodeThe red flags to watch for when evaluating model portfolios.How private markets could strengthen model portfolios—and the risks involved.Why technology will drive personalization, but human connection with remain key.Additional resources:Catch up on previous episodes: https://www.morningstar.com/views/podcasts/big-picture-in-practiceSubscribe to our newsletter: https://www.morningstar.com/business/insights/research/big-picture-in-practice-newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode:The tax advantages of ETFs and how they compare to other investment vehicles.How Section 351 conversions enable tax-efficient transitions from SMAs to ETFs.Potential regulatory risks and what they mean for the future of ETF tax benefits.Additional resources:Read a summary of this episode: https://www.morningstar.com/business/insights/blog/podcasts/big-picture-in-practice/351-conversion-sma-to-etf-white-label-etfCatch up on previous episodes: https://www.morningstar.com/views/podcasts/big-picture-in-practiceSubscribe to our newsletter: https://www.morningstar.com/business/insights/research/big-picture-in-practice-newsletter Questions or ideas? Email us at [email protected]. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.