Markets reached new highs in May as AI-led earnings growth outweighed geopolitical risk, while bonds recovered and commodities corrected amid easing energy concerns. Humanity survives another month by repricing risk, naturally.

Japan’s public debt is often misunderstood. Behind the headline numbers lies a vast sovereign balance-sheet strategy funded by ultra-low domestic rates and exposed to global risk assets.

Q1 2026 marked a decisive shift in market leadership as inflation and geopolitical tensions replaced liquidity and AI enthusiasm as the primary drivers of asset prices. Commodities surged, bonds and equities faced renewed volatility, and long-term opportunities in critical minerals and food security became increasingly compelling.

South Korean equities have surged on the back of an AI-led memory cycle, strong earnings upgrades and improving governance reforms. While valuations remain discounted versus global peers, energy exposure and semiconductor concentration continue to shape market volatility.

The Iran conflict is not just a geopolitical shock, it may mark a deeper shift toward structurally higher inflation. As fiscal expansion meets supply constraints, investors may need to rethink portfolios for a “higher for longer” world.

March 2026 saw a sharp repricing of global risk as escalating conflict in the Middle East triggered a major energy shock, reignited inflation concerns, and weighed heavily on equities, bonds, and business sentiment.

Geopolitical tensions, resurgent inflation, tighter energy markets and fragile supply chains are all pointing to higher risk, yet credit spreads remain unusually calm. This divergence highlights a dangerous complacency in markets, where downside risks may still be significantly underpriced.

February’s markets appeared strong on the surface, yet beneath the headline returns a growing divergence between regions, sectors and investment styles is reshaping the investment landscape.

Escalating conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran is putting global energy routes under pressure. As traffic through the Strait of Hormuz slows, oil markets, LNG flows and global equities are reacting to rising geopolitical risk. This analysis explores what investors should watch and how markets typically navigate geopolitical shocks.

AI-driven volatility has led to indiscriminate selling across software, advisory, logistics and cybersecurity. Yet fundamentals in many sectors remain intact. We examine where fear may be creating opportunity for long-term investors.

Private equity is transitioning from the era of cheap capital to a more disciplined, performance-driven landscape. As exits recover and secondaries rise, investors who prioritise manager quality, diversification and liquidity flexibility will be best positioned for the next phase.

Electricity demand is accelerating, driven by AI, data centres and electrification. Small modular reactors are emerging as a scalable solution, backed by policy momentum and hyperscale corporate contracts. The opportunity lies in fuel, licensing-ready platforms and critical grid infrastructure.

January delivered a constructive start to 2026, with improving macroeconomic signals supporting global equities and reinforcing investor confidence despite elevated geopolitical tensions. Market leadership broadened meaningfully across regions and sectors, while fixed income adjusted to stronger growth data and shifting policy expectations. The month highlighted the continued importance of diversification, selective risk exposure and high quality assets in an increasingly com

A single policy nomination shattered a crowded macro narrative and triggered a violent global deleveraging wave. This analysis explains what really broke, why fundamentals remained intact, and how investors should think about opportunities created by forced selling rather than fear.

US equities continue to hit new highs, but beneath the surface, returns are increasingly driven by a small group of mega cap stocks. This growing concentration may weaken diversification and increase portfolio fragility over time.

President Trump’s surprise 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran puts trade policy back at the centre of market risk. Ambiguity, legal challenges, and shifting competitiveness are now driving investment outcomes more than headlines.