Macroeconomic Strategy Team
4 April 2023
Events of the past quarter have strengthened our conviction on several of the team’s core economic views.
In our view, the macro backdrop will get worse before it gets better in the current global economic cycle, and investors should expect to experience higher and longer bouts of volatility through the first half of 2023.
At this point, we believe it’s crucial to reassess how we should be thinking about the Fed’s approach to policy making, especially in the context of the second biggest bank failure in U.S. history which has raised doubts about the health of the U.S. banking system.
Semiconductors poised for long-term growth amid AI boom
The global semiconductor industry remains strong – arguably the most robust we have seen in over three decades. This strength is supported by cutting-edge innovation, rising revenues and robust capital spending. While risks remain, the outlook for 2026 appears constructive, with demand for artificial intelligence (AI) applications showing few signs of slowing. Beyond AI, the non-AI markets could be poised for positive revisions as cyclical recovery gains traction after several years of consolidation.
2026 Outlook Series: Global Equity Diversified Income
Equity market leadership could broaden in 2026 beyond mega-cap technology, creating opportunities across sectors and regions. Global economic growth is expected to stabilize, supported by fiscal spending and easing monetary policy in key markets. Europe and select Asian economies offer attractive valuations and improving fundamentals, complementing US resilience. Value and income-focused strategies may regain prominence alongside growth, supported by quality fundamentals. The Global Equity Diversified Income strategy is positioned for diversification across geographies, sectors, and styles, aiming for income and capital appreciation.
2026 Outlook: Clearer picture, better growth
This year’s outlook spotlights a world in flux – U.S. stimulus, Europe’s rebound, China’s policy pivots, and Japan’s innovation surge all shape a landscape full of both opportunities and challenges.
Get started with managing your personal finances
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2026 Singapore Fixed Income Outlook: A Sanctuary for Investors in Uncertain Times
Singapore bonds posted strong performance in 2025 amid a raft of global challenges on the back of structural inflows and sovereign strength. In this 2026 Outlook, the Singapore Fixed Income team outlines the underlying fundamentals and catalysts supporting positive momentum for the asset class in the new year and why the market is increasingly seen as a sanctuary for investors in uncertain times.
2026 AP REITs Outlook: From Rate Relief to Growth Revival
After posting positive performance in 2025, Asia Pacific ex-Japan REITs (AP REITs) are set for a pivotal transition from a period of rate-driven relief to a phase of growth revival. In this 2026 Outlook, Portfolio Managers Hui Min Ng and Derrick Heng analyse how declining interest rates are opening two avenues of growth for the asset class – organic growth via interest cost savings and inorganic growth via capital recycling. Additionally, the team explains how catalysts such as favourable historic relative valuations and positive policy changes in regional exchanges enhance the attractiveness of AP REITs for investors, ending with sectors that the team favours for the new year.
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