Economic and market implications for oil prices

2 March 2026

Paul Kalogirou, Head of Client Portfolio Management, Asia & Global Multi-Asset Solutions

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.

Summary:

Short-term market swings may increase, especially when geopolitical tensions affect oil prices, but these episodes have historically tended to be temporary rather than long‑lasting.

Higher oil prices may add to inflation uncertainty, which may influence interest rates and market sentiment, even if the broader economic impact remains limited.

Different parts of the market may react differently, with some sectors or styles moving more than others, which can make headlines feel more dramatic than the underlying long‑term impact.

Stay focused on long‑term goals. For long‑term investing, reacting to short‑term market volatility may do more harm than good.

Download full PDF

Global Healthcare Equities Q&A

This Q&A provides an updated overview of sector performance, examines the impact of recent US healthcare policy developments, and outlines key investment strategies and themes. It also highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare innovation and shares practical tips to help investors navigate market volatility.

Read more
Q&A: Potential market impact of a US government shutdown

The US Senate failed to pass a last-minute funding deal, triggering the first federal government shutdown in nearly seven years starting from 1 October. Our Multi-Asset Solutions Team shares insights on how markets have responded during past shutdowns, and how investors can position themselves amid the uncertainty.

Read more
Fed’s first rate cut of 2025: Implications & takeaways

After nine months on pause, the US Federal Reserve (Fed) announced another rate cut of 25 basis points (bps) on 17 September (US time), bringing the federal funds rate into a target range of 4%-4.25%. Alex Grassino, Global Chief Economist, and Yuting Shao, Senior Global Macro Strategist, share their latest views on the rate decision and its implications for Asia.

Read more

See all

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.

Read more
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.

Read more
Greater China Equities: Perspective for Q4 2025

Heading into the final quarter of the year, we remain constructive, supported by the US Federal Reserve interest rate cutting cycle, Mainland’s demand-side stimulus, strategic priorities outlined in the 15th Five-Year Plan, continued recovery in corporate earnings and robust fund inflows.

Read more

See all

About Us

Our funds

Services

Contact us

Contact us

Privacy Policy Customer Privacy Policy Terms of Use Disclaimer

Unit Investment Trust Funds are NOT DEPOSIT products and are not insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) or by Manulife Investment Management and Trust Corporation, its parent company or its affiliates. These products have no guaranteed returns/yields. The performances of the funds and their underlying securities are not guaranteed, and the value of funds may fluctuate and could be less than the capital invested. Any loss/income arising from market fluctuations and price volatility, even if invested in government securities, is for the account of the client/investor. Past performance, when presented, is purely for reference purposes and is not indicative of similar future result. Manulife Investment Management and Trust Corporation is not liable for losses except for gross negligence, willful fraud or bad faith of its officers, employees, or authorized representatives. Prospective investors are advised to read the Declaration of Trust for the Fund which may be obtained from the office of the Trustee, consult a Financial Advisor/Wealth Specialist and take the Client Suitability Assessment to determine the suitable Fund before proceeding with the investment.

Manulife Investment Management and Trust Corporation, its products and services are regulated and governed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) with telephone number (02) 8-708-7087 and email address consumeraffairs@bsp.gov.ph. For inquiries or complaints relating to our products and services, you may call our Customer Care Hotline at (02) 8-884-7000 or send an email to phtrust@manulife.com. To know your rights under BSP Circular No. 1160 (Regulations on Financial Consumer Protection), please access a copy at the BSP website (www.bsp.gov.ph).

Manulife, Manulife Investment Management, and Manulife Investment Management & Block Design are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under license.