11 March 2026
Against a backdrop of elevated uncertainty, the Multi Asset Solutions Team (MAST) summarizes key market moves, and the potential cross-asset implications.
Recent public remarks by the U.S. President expressing confidence that tensions could ease in the near term, along with initial discussions between the G7 and the International Energy Agency (IEA) on the potential release of oil supply, contributed to a pull-back in oil prices – though any release decision remains pending. Meanwhile, the situation on the ground continues to evolve, with reported military activity involving the U.S., Israel and Iran across parts of the Middle East, as well as reported Iranian responses in the Gulf region. There have also been reports of increased military activity in neighboring areas of the region.
From a multi‑asset perspective, our strategies are typically constructed with diversified global allocations, meaning some segments may be more affected than others during periods of heightened uncertainty. In such environments, certain areas may be relatively more supported (for example, energy‑related areas and some parts of industrials), while others such as precious metals, infrastructure/real assets and utilities have, at times, shown relative resilience. We believe that maintaining a broad, balanced allocation diversified across geographies, regions and styles may help mitigate drawdowns, and that diversified allocation can provide a degree of resilience during periods of elevated uncertainty. Strategies designed with an income focus may also exhibit more defensive characteristics, while seeking to meet income objectives.
Additionally, given stretched valuations in parts of the market, valuation multiples may be tested over the course of the year – whether due to earnings outcomes, macro factors, or geopolitical developments. In that context, disciplined risk management and being selective is important through the remainder of 2026, and we believe maintaining flexibility to take advantage of opportunities as they arise can be helpful.
Asset allocation views on SpaceX IPO, Reopening of Strait of Hormuz, and the BOJ rate hike
The Multi Asset Solutions Team (MAST) provides asset allocation views on three recent developments that could influence markets in different ways: the SpaceX Initial Public Offerings (IPO), the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) rate hike. In our view, these events create mixed signals across growth, inflation and liquidity. Overall, the backdrop still appears uneven, and this may support a measured and selective approach to asset allocation rather than a broad increase in risk.
China Fixed Income: From deflation to reflation: what comes next?
Not another bubble: How semiconductors are powering a real future
Semiconductors sit behind almost every modern experience – from smartphones and cars to cloud computing and today’s AI tools – yet they remain largely invisible to most people. They are more than chips only, and the demand is being supported by several long-term forces. We believe that today’s semiconductor excitement is not a repeat of the dot-com bubble, as investment is tied to real infrastructure and revenue-generating services. And the opportunity is broader than a handful of headline AI names.
Asset allocation views on SpaceX IPO, Reopening of Strait of Hormuz, and the BOJ rate hike
The Multi Asset Solutions Team (MAST) provides asset allocation views on three recent developments that could influence markets in different ways: the SpaceX Initial Public Offerings (IPO), the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) rate hike. In our view, these events create mixed signals across growth, inflation and liquidity. Overall, the backdrop still appears uneven, and this may support a measured and selective approach to asset allocation rather than a broad increase in risk.
China Fixed Income: From deflation to reflation: what comes next?
Not another bubble: How semiconductors are powering a real future
Semiconductors sit behind almost every modern experience – from smartphones and cars to cloud computing and today’s AI tools – yet they remain largely invisible to most people. They are more than chips only, and the demand is being supported by several long-term forces. We believe that today’s semiconductor excitement is not a repeat of the dot-com bubble, as investment is tied to real infrastructure and revenue-generating services. And the opportunity is broader than a handful of headline AI names.