SHARE THIS While the “tariff crisis” may have clouded Japan’s economic outlook, the prospects are certainly not opaque as it may look to reduce the role of US exports. Trade tensions have also prompted the Bank of Japan to hold monetary policy steady,...
SHARE THIS In our view, New Zealand’s status as a safe haven during times of turbulence has often exceeded that of other markets. Although the New Zealand market is relatively small, it also offers a high degree of quality, and the country's bond and...
SHARE THIS The upcoming New Zealand earnings reporting season is set against a backdrop of intricate global economic factors and trade tensions. Amidst the uncertainty, we assess New Zealand's exposure to the global trade tumult, highlighting potential...
SHARE THIS Speculation over the actions of the US administration had a major impact on asset markets throughout the January-March quarter, with volatility dominating towards the end. We trimmed our overweight score in growth assets during the quarter,...
SHARE THIS We firmly believe that markets remain inefficient, and the last few months are testament to that. Hence we face today's uncertainty level headed, attentive to where risks lie while also inquisitive about the potential opportunities.
SHARE THIS We can expect more aggressive policy support from Chinese authorities over the next several months for consumption and business activities, prompted by the still uncertain global trade situation. Despite the ongoing volatility and...
SHARE THIS With a new economic regime potentially taking shape, we believe that now is an opportune time to consider an active global fixed income approach to navigate what is likely to be a prolonged period of uncertainty.
SHARE THIS Against a more challenging but still benign macroeconomic backdrop, we expect Asian corporate and bank credit fundamentals to stay resilient, aside from a few sectors and specific credits which may be affected by tariff threats or...
SHARE THIS In this month's Balancing Act we review Q1 corporate earnings, which have been more resilient than expected; from a defensive standpoint we also discuss our cautious view on gold.
SHARE THIS We discuss how growing calls to reduce Japan's consumption tax rate provide a chance to focus on how consumption can be stimulated, potentially triggering a secular change in spending behaviour; we also assess the recent surge in super-long...
SHARE THIS Japanese equities have not been immune to tariff worries. However, it is worth remembering that Japan is playing the long game: the country is undergoing structural reflation driven by factors unlikely to be reversed by market volatility or...
SHARE THIS Markets, while volatile, have continued to recover, and we are now seeing an easing of trade tensions. However, in these uncertain times, one thing remains clear—uncertainty itself. The situation remains fluid, and against such a background...
SHARE THIS The RBNZ's interest rate cut in May was viewed as a hawkish reduction, with the central bank seen moving closer to the point at which it will consider pausing the cycle to observe the benefits the current monetary policy settings can bring...
SHARE THIS New Zealand’s climate-related disclosures regime came into effect for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023 and the first rounds of annual reports were released in 2024. Now that the second year of reporting is underway, we...
SHARE THIS One hundred and fifty-three quarters have passed since the rather “political” Alan Greenspan was appointed the Chairman of the Federal Reserve. According to our Demand Pressure Index, which seeks to provide a better estimate of the output...
SHARE THIS The Fed maintained interest rates at its June meeting, signalling a slightly more positive economic outlook. Despite easing of some risks, uncertainties remain elevated, with inflation still a key concern. FOMC members' varied rate...
SHARE THIS We continue to believe that Asia's local government bonds are positioned to perform decently, supported by accommodative central banks amid an environment of benign inflation and moderating growth.
SHARE THIS US exceptionalism has faded from view recently, supporting an exodus from US assets. However, our stance remains that the US is core to our investment thesis, allowing us to remain part of the secular growth trend in technology innovation...
SHARE THIS The GIC assesses that the probability of slower yet positive growth in the US has increased. The GIC anticipates a narrower growth gap between the US and other developed markets, with selective diversification into European and Chinese...
SHARE THIS The Federal Reserve has finally thrown its weight behind the long-proposed change in what is known as the Supplementary Liquidity Ratio for banks, ostensibly so that the banks will then be able to buy more government bonds.