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.
Middle East developments - Implications for Asian equities and fixed income
The Asian Equities and Asian Fixed Income team assess the recent Middle East developments and implications for Asia asset classes.
Economic and market implications for oil prices
Recent geopolitical tensions involving Iran have renewed focus on oil prices and their potential economic and market effects. Paul Kalogirou, Head of Client Portfolio Management, Asia & Global Multi-Asset Solutions, shares latest views on it.
The case for liquid real assets in a shifting inflation regime
For over a decade, global investors operated under the assumption that inflation would remain subdued, anchored below 2% - a belief reinforced by central bank credibility and structural disinflationary forces like globalisation and technological deflation. However, the post-pandemic world has ushered in a new regime of structurally higher inflation risks, with evolving policy responses that make liquid real assets increasingly attractive.
Middle East developments - Implications for Asian equities and fixed income
The Asian Equities and Asian Fixed Income team assess the recent Middle East developments and implications for Asia asset classes.
Economic and market implications for oil prices
Recent geopolitical tensions involving Iran have renewed focus on oil prices and their potential economic and market effects. Paul Kalogirou, Head of Client Portfolio Management, Asia & Global Multi-Asset Solutions, shares latest views on it.
What does short-term oil price volatility mean for pension scheme members?
Recent geopolitical tensions involving Iran have renewed focus on oil prices and their potential economic and market effects. How can retirement savers navigate short term oil price volatility?