Disruptive Forces in Investing

Ashok Bhatia, Neuberger Berman’s Chief Investment Officer and Global Head of Fixed Income, explains the hidden turbulence in credit markets. He discusses rising dispersion beneath calm index spreads. He breaks down pressure on BDCs tied to software loans and how AI is reshaping capital structures. He also covers oil shock implications for Fed policy and where selective fixed-income opportunities may lie.

Global bond markets are starting to diverge again. After years of moving in near lockstep, correlations are breaking down as political and fiscal paths split across regions. The balance for investors is pursuing income, diversification, and flexibility without making an all-or-nothing "sell the U.S." call. On this episode of Disruptive Forces, host Anu Rajakumar speaks with Paul Grainger, Senior Portfolio, Multi-Sector, about what this new regime means for fixed income investors. They discuss where relative value is emerging across Europe, Japan, and emerging markets, how to think about credit in a tight-spread environment, and why a global approach can help investors stay nimble. This communication is provided for informational and educational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. Information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but there is no representation or warranty as to its accuracy, completeness or reliability. This communication is not directed at any investor or category of investors and should not be regarded as investment advice or a suggestion to engage in or refrain from any investment-related course of action. Neuberger Berman is not providing this material in a fiduciary capacity and has a financial interest in the sale of its products and services. Investment decisions should be made based on an investor's individual objectives and circumstances and in consultation with his or her advisors. All information is current as of the date of this material and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Neuberger Berman products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all client types. This material is not intended as a formal research report and should not be relied upon as a basis for making an investment decision. The firm, its employees and advisory accounts may hold positions of any companies discussed. This material may include estimates, outlooks, projections and other "forward-looking statements." Due to a variety of factors, actual events or market behavior may differ significantly from any views expressed. Investing entails risks, including possible loss of principal. Indexes are unmanaged and are not available for direct investment. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools. Neuberger Berman may utilize AI tools in its business operations to improve operational efficiency and for assistance in research and analyzing data among other uses. AI tools are dependent on historical data, consequently, if the content or analyses that AI applications assist Neuberger in producing are or are alleged to be deficient, inaccurate, or biased, a client account may be adversely affected. Additionally, AI tools used by Neuberger may produce inaccurate, misleading or incomplete responses that could lead to errors in Neuberger's and its employees' judgement, decision-making, investment research or other business activities, which could have a negative impact on the performance of a client account. The application of AI in investment processes, research, or analysis is evolving and subject to limitations, including data quality, algorithmic biases, and interpretive errors. AI outputs should not be relied upon as the sole basis for investment decisions. No assurance is given regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of information generated by AI. This material is being issued on a limited basis through various global subsidiaries and affiliates of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. Please visit www.nb.com/disclosure-global-communications for the specific entities and jurisdictional limitations and restrictions. The "Neuberger Berman" name and logo are registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. © 2026 Neuberger Berman Group LLC. All rights reserved. WF2861750

Real estate has gone through a painful reset—higher rates, lower values, and slower deal activity have pressured fundraising, distributions, and exit timelines. But for investors who provide flexible, platform-level capital, dislocation can create attractive entry points. Meanwhile, AI and data centers are reshaping demand, housing affordability remains a structural challenge, and the office segment is still under strain. On this episode of Disruptive Forces, host Anu Rajakumar speaks with David Haltiner, Managing Director at Neuberger's Almanac Realty Investors, which is marking 30 years of company-level real estate investing. They discuss how platform recapitalizations work, where the team is leaning in across sectors, and what investors may be overlooking in today's market. This communication is provided for informational and educational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. Information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but there is no representation or warranty as to its accuracy, completeness or reliability. This communication is not directed at any investor or category of investors and should not be regarded as investment advice or a suggestion to engage in or refrain from any investment-related course of action. Neuberger Berman is not providing this material in a fiduciary capacity and has a financial interest in the sale of its products and services. Investment decisions should be made based on an investor's individual objectives and circumstances and in consultation with his or her advisors. All information is current as of the date of this material and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Neuberger Berman products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all client types. This material is not intended as a formal research report and should not be relied upon as a basis for making an investment decision. The firm, its employees and advisory accounts may hold positions of any companies discussed. This material may include estimates, outlooks, projections and other "forward-looking statements." Due to a variety of factors, actual events or market behavior may differ significantly from any views expressed. Investing entails risks, including possible loss of principal. Indexes are unmanaged and are not available for direct investment. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools. Neuberger Berman may utilize AI tools in its business operations to improve operational efficiency and for assistance in research and analyzing data among other uses. AI tools are dependent on historical data, consequently, if the content or analyses that AI applications assist Neuberger in producing are or are alleged to be deficient, inaccurate, or biased, a client account may be adversely affected. Additionally, AI tools used by Neuberger may produce inaccurate, misleading or incomplete responses that could lead to errors in Neuberger's and its employees' judgement, decision-making, investment research or other business activities, which could have a negative impact on the performance of a client account. The application of AI in investment processes, research, or analysis is evolving and subject to limitations, including data quality, algorithmic biases, and interpretive errors. AI outputs should not be relied upon as the sole basis for investment decisions. No assurance is given regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of information generated by AI. This material is being issued on a limited basis through various global subsidiaries and affiliates of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. Please visit www.nb.com/disclosure-global-communications for the specific entities and jurisdictional limitations and restrictions. The "Neuberger Berman" name and logo are registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. © 2026 Neuberger Berman Group LLC. All rights reserved. WF2861750

Ashok Bhatia, Neuberger Berman's CIO and Global Head of Fixed Income, outlines the AI-driven surge in bond issuance and its impact on credit markets. He discusses hyperscaler financing, circular financing risks, complex securitization structures, and how AI is being used inside investment teams. The conversation highlights global opportunities and cautious positioning amid rising tail risks and political uncertainty.

In this insightful discussion, Maya Bhandari, CIO for Multi-Asset EMEA at Neuberger Berman, and Shannon Saccocia, CIO for Wealth, explore the dynamic landscape of investing toward 2026. They delve into the complex effects of policy crosscurrents, contrasting supportive conditions in the U.S. and Asia with challenges in Europe. The duo emphasizes AI's role in boosting productivity and advocates for a smart blend of AI enablers and adopters for portfolio success. They also identify private market opportunities and potential risks from geopolitical tensions and policy missteps.

Tax-managed equity has evolved beyond the traditional long-only playbook. By adding selective shorts and leverage, 130/30 active extension strategies aim to unlock higher alpha while maintaining market-level beta—plus potentially meaningful after-tax benefits through disciplined loss harvesting. Where can this approach fit in portfolios today? On this episode of Disruptive Forces, host Anu Rajakumar speaks with Ray Carroll, CIO of Neuberger Berman's Breton Hill quantitative investing team, and Jacob Greene, Head Strategist for Custom Direct Investing, to demystify 130/30 tax-managed portfolios and where they work best—from diversifying single-stock concentrations to preparing for large taxable events, with global considerations beyond the U.S. This communication is provided for informational and educational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. Information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but there is no representation or warranty as to its accuracy, completeness or reliability. This communication is not directed at any investor or category of investors and should not be regarded as investment advice or a suggestion to engage in or refrain from any investment-related course of action. Neuberger Berman is not providing this material in a fiduciary capacity and has a financial interest in the sale of its products and services. Investment decisions should be made based on an investor's individual objectives and circumstances and in consultation with his or her advisors. All information is current as of the date of this material and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Neuberger Berman products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all client types. This material is not intended as a formal research report and should not be relied upon as a basis for making an investment decision. The firm, its employees and advisory accounts may hold positions of any companies discussed. This material may include estimates, outlooks, projections and other "forward-looking statements." Due to a variety of factors, actual events or market behavior may differ significantly from any views expressed. Investing entails risks, including possible loss of principal. Indexes are unmanaged and are not available for direct investment. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. This material is being issued on a limited basis through various global subsidiaries and affiliates of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. Please visit www.nb.com/disclosure-global-communications for the specific entities and jurisdictional limitations and restrictions. The "Neuberger Berman" name and logo are registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. © 2025 Neuberger Berman Group LLC. All rights reserved.

Emerging market debt has weathered a long stretch of tight financial conditions—marked by a strong US dollar, higher global rates, and uneven post-pandemic recoveries. With the dollar softening and policy rates beginning to ease, investors are warming up to hard currency EM debt as a potentially attractive source of diversification and carry. On this episode of Disruptive Forces, host Anu Rajakumar speaks with Global Co-Head of Emerging Markets Debt Gorky Urquieta to hear what's been driving hard currency EM debt and what role it plays in today's fixed income landscape. Together, they unpack the differences between hard and local currency exposures, explore how dollar dynamics and the Fed's easing cycle can influence performance for EM sovereigns. This communication is provided for informational and educational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. Information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but there is no representation or warranty as to its accuracy, completeness or reliability. This communication is not directed at any investor or category of investors and should not be regarded as investment advice or a suggestion to engage in or refrain from any investment-related course of action. Neuberger Berman is not providing this material in a fiduciary capacity and has a financial interest in the sale of its products and services. Investment decisions should be made based on an investor's individual objectives and circumstances and in consultation with his or her advisors. All information is current as of the date of this material and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Neuberger Berman products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all client types. This material is not intended as a formal research report and should not be relied upon as a basis for making an investment decision. The firm, its employees and advisory accounts may hold positions of any companies discussed. This material may include estimates, outlooks, projections and other "forward-looking statements." Due to a variety of factors, actual events or market behavior may differ significantly from any views expressed. Investing entails risks, including possible loss of principal. Indexes are unmanaged and are not available for direct investment. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. This material is being issued on a limited basis through various global subsidiaries and affiliates of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. Please visit www.nb.com/disclosure-global-communications for the specific entities and jurisdictional limitations and restrictions. The "Neuberger Berman" name and logo are registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. © 2025 Neuberger Berman Group LLC. All rights reserved.

Amid shifting global market currents, investors are reassessing where the most compelling opportunities lie beyond the US. Shifts in earnings trajectories, valuation dispersion, and evolving policy signals are reshaping the risk-reward across regions and asset classes, prompting a fresh look at how to balance exposures. On this episode of Disruptive Forces, Anu Rajakumar sits down with Maya Bhandari, CIO, Multi-Asset, EMEA and co-chair of Neuberger Berman's Asset Allocation Committee, to explore how these dynamics could be expressed in diversified, multi-asset portfolios. This communication is provided for informational and educational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. Information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but there is no representation or warranty as to its accuracy, completeness or reliability. This communication is not directed at any investor or category of investors and should not be regarded as investment advice or a suggestion to engage in or refrain from any investment-related course of action. Neuberger Berman is not providing this material in a fiduciary capacity and has a financial interest in the sale of its products and services. Investment decisions should be made based on an investor's individual objectives and circumstances and in consultation with his or her advisors. All information is current as of the date of this material and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Neuberger Berman products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all client types. This material is not intended as a formal research report and should not be relied upon as a basis for making an investment decision. The firm, its employees and advisory accounts may hold positions of any companies discussed. This material may include estimates, outlooks, projections and other "forward-looking statements." Due to a variety of factors, actual events or market behavior may differ significantly from any views expressed. Investing entails risks, including possible loss of principal. Indexes are unmanaged and are not available for direct investment. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Philanthropic Services are provided as a courtesy and are for informational and discussion purposes only. Neuberger Berman is not acting in a fiduciary capacity or recommending any specific philanthropic or charitable activities and recipients of Philanthropic Services should consult their own tax or legal advisors before implementing any such activities. This material is being issued on a limited basis through various global subsidiaries and affiliates of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. Please visit www.nb.com/disclosure-global-communications for the specific entities and jurisdictional limitations and restrictions. The "Neuberger Berman" name and logo are registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. © 2025 Neuberger Berman Group LLC. All rights reserved.

Join Stephanie Luedke, Head of Private Wealth at Neuberger Berman, as she dives into the monumental $124 trillion generational wealth transfer. She explores the evolving attitudes of different generations towards wealth, highlighting how Millennials and Gen Z are shifting investment priorities. Discover insights on the growing appeal of private markets and digital assets, the importance of family governance, and practical tools for transition planning. Stephanie also emphasizes the crucial role advisors play in bridging generational gaps and fostering meaningful family conversations.

Asset-based credit is reshaping the private credit landscape, offering investors new ways to diversify portfolios with the potential to capture higher yields amid market volatility. As banks pull back from certain lending markets and consumer behaviors evolve, asset-based credit stands out for its short duration, high yield, and low correlation to corporate credit. But what does this asset class really entail, and how can investors navigate its complexities? On this episode of Disruptive Forces, host Anu Rajakumar welcomes Sachin Patel, Managing Director on the Specialty Finance team, to demystify asset-based credit and its expanding role in portfolios. Together, they explore the differences between alpha and beta strategies, discuss the impact of technology and consumer trends, and share practical insights for investors looking to access this dynamic and defensive asset class. This communication is provided for informational and educational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. Information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but there is no representation or warranty as to its accuracy, completeness or reliability. This communication is not directed at any investor or category of investors and should not be regarded as investment advice or a suggestion to engage in or refrain from any investment-related course of action. Neuberger Berman is not providing this material in a fiduciary capacity and has a financial interest in the sale of its products and services. Investment decisions should be made based on an investor's individual objectives and circumstances and in consultation with his or her advisors. All information is current as of the date of this material and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Neuberger Berman products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all client types. This material is not intended as a formal research report and should not be relied upon as a basis for making an investment decision. The firm, its employees and advisory accounts may hold positions of any companies discussed. This material may include estimates, outlooks, projections and other "forward-looking statements." Due to a variety of factors, actual events or market behavior may differ significantly from any views expressed. Investing entails risks, including possible loss of principal. Indexes are unmanaged and are not available for direct investment. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. This material is being issued on a limited basis through various global subsidiaries and affiliates of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. Please visit www.nb.com/disclosure-global-communications for the specific entities and jurisdictional limitations and restrictions. The "Neuberger Berman" name and logo are registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. © 2025 Neuberger Berman Group LLC. All rights reserved.