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.
Global Equity Diversified Income (GEDI) strategy: Recent update amid Middle East developments
Despite the heightened market volatility, the Global Equities Diversified Income (GEDI) strategy has demonstrated resilience. We have made selective portfolio adjustments to address the rising risks and believe that by combining four powerful pillars—growth, value, income, and options—the strategy is well positioned to potentially deliver attractive yield alongside long-term capital growth.
The real asset renaissance: securing power, materials, and energy in a deglobalized world
Global supply chains are being reshaped by deglobalisation, geopolitics, and the race for energy and technological security, shifting the focus from efficiency toward resilience. In this environment of higher costs, persistent inflation pressures, and constrained supply, real assets may play an increasingly important role in helping investors navigate uncertainty and capture long‑term structural trends.
Key takeaways from Chinese mainland NPC meeting
The annual meeting of Chinese mainland’s National People’s Congress (NPC) is concluding this week. The China equity team shares its latest views on key policy developments and analyses the main growth engines supporting high quality growth.
Global Equity Diversified Income (GEDI) strategy: Recent update amid Middle East developments
Despite the heightened market volatility, the Global Equities Diversified Income (GEDI) strategy has demonstrated resilience. We have made selective portfolio adjustments to address the rising risks and believe that by combining four powerful pillars—growth, value, income, and options—the strategy is well positioned to potentially deliver attractive yield alongside long-term capital growth.
The real asset renaissance: securing power, materials, and energy in a deglobalized world
Global supply chains are being reshaped by deglobalisation, geopolitics, and the race for energy and technological security, shifting the focus from efficiency toward resilience. In this environment of higher costs, persistent inflation pressures, and constrained supply, real assets may play an increasingly important role in helping investors navigate uncertainty and capture long‑term structural trends.
Key takeaways from Chinese mainland NPC meeting
The annual meeting of Chinese mainland’s National People’s Congress (NPC) is concluding this week. The China equity team shares its latest views on key policy developments and analyses the main growth engines supporting high quality growth.