16 January 2026
Global equity markets delivered strong returns in 2025, supported by steady economic growth, declining inflation, and robust corporate earnings. Aggressive interest rate cuts by central banks, especially the US Federal Reserve, added fuel to the rally. The excitement surrounding artificial intelligence was an additional tailwind for the markets, driving meaningful rally in the US mega-cap technology stocks that dominate global indexes. These positives helped offset concerns about the protectionist shift in US trade policy.
Europe led performance at the regional level, helped by optimism around the potential economic impact of lower interest rates and increased government spending. Emerging markets also outperformed developed markets, showing broad-based strength across regions. The US and developed Asia, posted gains but lagged global peers.
2025 January – November returns of MSCI ACWI regions and sectors


Source: Manulife Investment Management, FactSet Research Systems, data as of 30 November, 2025, in USD. Past performance is not an indicative of future performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.
Dynamic leaders are high-quality, industry-leading businesses with attractive growth profiles that have the potential to outpace the market and deliver strong profitability, revenue, earnings, and cash flow. We look for opportunities globally across sectors and markets. While sector weights can shift with valuations and opportunities, several themes guide our approach.
Sectors
Geographies
Company fundamentals and a supportive macro environment should continue to underpin global equities. Resilient economic data and good earnings growth have pushed valuations higher, lifting indexes to record highs. While tariff-related challenges could create short-term headwinds, we believe fiscal and monetary policies remain favourable.
As we enter 2026, we remain positive on equities. We expect opportunities beyond US markets should persist, and industry leaders are likely to strengthen their positions, offering higher return potential.
A continued broadening of market leadership should benefit active strategies like ours. Over the medium to long-term, we believe high-quality industry leaders with strong brands, sound balance sheets, and compounding earnings profiles should continue to deliver consistently solid financial results and share-price returns.
2026 Outlook Series: Global Equity Diversified Income
Equity market leadership could broaden in 2026 beyond mega-cap technology, creating opportunities across sectors and regions. Global economic growth is expected to stabilize, supported by fiscal spending and easing monetary policy in key markets. Europe and select Asian economies offer attractive valuations and improving fundamentals, complementing US resilience. Value and income-focused strategies may regain prominence alongside growth, supported by quality fundamentals. The Global Equity Diversified Income strategy is positioned for diversification across geographies, sectors, and styles, aiming for income and capital appreciation.
2026 Outlook Series: Manulife Global Multi-Asset Diversified Income Fund
In 2026, a clearer macroeconomic outlook is expected as momentum improves following strong 2025 drivers such as AI growth, energy transition, anticipated Fed rate cuts, and wider fiscal support. While the US Federal Reserve is likely to continue easing policy, diverse income opportunities remain across global markets, extending beyond traditional government bonds to high yield assets and option writing. Within this environment, the Manulife Global Fund – Global Multi‑Asset Diversified Income Fund (GMADI) remains with a clear and heightened focus towards income generation. The Fund seeks to deliver a high and consistent distribution income while maintaining exposure to long term capital growth opportunities.
Semiconductors poised for long-term growth amid AI boom
The global semiconductor industry remains strong – arguably the most robust we have seen in over three decades. This strength is supported by cutting-edge innovation, rising revenues and robust capital spending. While risks remain, the outlook for 2026 appears constructive, with demand for artificial intelligence (AI) applications showing few signs of slowing. Beyond AI, the non-AI markets could be poised for positive revisions as cyclical recovery gains traction after several years of consolidation.
2026 Outlook Series: Global Equity Diversified Income
Equity market leadership could broaden in 2026 beyond mega-cap technology, creating opportunities across sectors and regions. Global economic growth is expected to stabilize, supported by fiscal spending and easing monetary policy in key markets. Europe and select Asian economies offer attractive valuations and improving fundamentals, complementing US resilience. Value and income-focused strategies may regain prominence alongside growth, supported by quality fundamentals. The Global Equity Diversified Income strategy is positioned for diversification across geographies, sectors, and styles, aiming for income and capital appreciation.
2026 Outlook Series: Manulife Global Multi-Asset Diversified Income Fund
In 2026, a clearer macroeconomic outlook is expected as momentum improves following strong 2025 drivers such as AI growth, energy transition, anticipated Fed rate cuts, and wider fiscal support. While the US Federal Reserve is likely to continue easing policy, diverse income opportunities remain across global markets, extending beyond traditional government bonds to high yield assets and option writing. Within this environment, the Manulife Global Fund – Global Multi‑Asset Diversified Income Fund (GMADI) remains with a clear and heightened focus towards income generation. The Fund seeks to deliver a high and consistent distribution income while maintaining exposure to long term capital growth opportunities.
Semiconductors poised for long-term growth amid AI boom
The global semiconductor industry remains strong – arguably the most robust we have seen in over three decades. This strength is supported by cutting-edge innovation, rising revenues and robust capital spending. While risks remain, the outlook for 2026 appears constructive, with demand for artificial intelligence (AI) applications showing few signs of slowing. Beyond AI, the non-AI markets could be poised for positive revisions as cyclical recovery gains traction after several years of consolidation.