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Middle East Conflict and Market Risk

3 March 2026

Alex Grassino, Global Chief Economist

Alex Grassino, Global Chief Economist, shares his latest views on the recent increase in military activity and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

 

 

 

Global geopolitical and economic uncertainty has unfortunately become a defining characteristic of the 2020s, the recent increase in military activity and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East being yet another example. The beginning of U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran prompted swift retaliatory action, which included an attempted drone strike on Qatar’s energy infrastructure. While no damage was recorded, a major liquefied natural gas terminal was closed, signaling the potential for broader fallout than resulted from the June 2025 Israel-Iran conflict.

 

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With effect from 2 July 2026, the Customer Service Centre of Manulife Investment Management (Hong Kong) Limited is relocated to 23/F., Manulife Tower, One Bay East, 83 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon.  This centre provides customer services in relation to Manulife InvestChoice Accounts, Manulife Advanced Fund SFC, Manulife Global Fund and Manulife Hong Kong Series.  Please call Customer Contact Centre at 2108 1110 to make an appointment prior to your visit.  

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