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.
Fed hikes rates for first time since 2023 as expected
Today’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decision and press conference went smoothly—a welcome development, in our judgment, after the mixed signals that emerged from the Fed’s July meeting. The rate decision: A 25 basis-point (bps) hike, bringing the federal funds rate from 3.75% to 4.00%.
Beyond AI hype: How Manulife Global Multi Asset Diversified Income Fund (GMADI) evaluates long-term equity opportunities
AI continues to create potential investment opportunities, but we believe not every AI-related company will become a long-term winner. Rather than maximising exposure to the theme, the Manulife Global Fund - Global Multi-Asset Diversified Income Fund takes a selective and valuation-aware approach. In this investment note, we discuss the three characteristics we look for when identifying long-term winners and how these principles are reflected in the Fund's equity sleeve which currently maintains a constructive view on sectors such as communication services, healthcare, consumer staples and energy. This positioning reflects our bottom-up conviction in individual businesses whose long-term fundamentals, cash flow characteristics and valuations are viewed favourably by the investment team.
Asia High Yield has reached new highs; what’s next?
Asia High Yield (HY) bonds, known for providing an attractive source of income, present a very different opportunity set today compared to the pre-pandemic era. As discussed in our investment note from nearly a year ago, the asset class is no longer dominated by Chinese Mainland property developers. Instead, it has become more diversified, with investment opportunities spanning multiple areas, such as financial institutions, gaming operators, infrastructure providers, and selected frontier markets.
Fed hikes rates for first time since 2023 as expected
Today’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decision and press conference went smoothly—a welcome development, in our judgment, after the mixed signals that emerged from the Fed’s July meeting. The rate decision: A 25 basis-point (bps) hike, bringing the federal funds rate from 3.75% to 4.00%.
Beyond AI hype: How Manulife Global Multi Asset Diversified Income Fund (GMADI) evaluates long-term equity opportunities
AI continues to create potential investment opportunities, but we believe not every AI-related company will become a long-term winner. Rather than maximising exposure to the theme, the Manulife Global Fund - Global Multi-Asset Diversified Income Fund takes a selective and valuation-aware approach. In this investment note, we discuss the three characteristics we look for when identifying long-term winners and how these principles are reflected in the Fund's equity sleeve which currently maintains a constructive view on sectors such as communication services, healthcare, consumer staples and energy. This positioning reflects our bottom-up conviction in individual businesses whose long-term fundamentals, cash flow characteristics and valuations are viewed favourably by the investment team.
Asia High Yield has reached new highs; what’s next?
Asia High Yield (HY) bonds, known for providing an attractive source of income, present a very different opportunity set today compared to the pre-pandemic era. As discussed in our investment note from nearly a year ago, the asset class is no longer dominated by Chinese Mainland property developers. Instead, it has become more diversified, with investment opportunities spanning multiple areas, such as financial institutions, gaming operators, infrastructure providers, and selected frontier markets.