Latest news with #AyeshaAbbas
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Weak dollar to unlock opportunities in emerging markets and global equities
With the US dollar at multi-year lows and expected to weaken further over the next six to 12 months, prospects are improving for emerging-market assets, a report showed on Wednesday. Standard Chartered's Global Market Outlook for the second half of 2025 projects a constructive but volatile environment for investors worldwide. In the United States, growth continues to be supported by resilient consumption and fiscal stimulus, though trade and policy uncertainty may temper momentum in the second half of the year. In Europe, fiscal easing increasingly offers support, but structural challenges persist while China's outlook is stabilising on the back of targeted stimulus and improving retail activity. Meanwhile, growth in India and ASEAN is expected to remain well-supported. 'We expect the US dollar to weaken over the next 6 to 12 months and have accordingly upgraded Asia (ex-Japan) equities and Emerging Market (EM) local-currency bonds to Overweight. Global equities also remain an overweight position across portfolios, supported by healthy earnings, easing trade tensions, and controlled inflation (so far),' the report said. Commenting on the report, Ayesha Abbas, managing director and head of affluent and wealth solutions, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and UAE at Standard Chartered, said: 'As global markets transition into a new phase, Middle East investors are well-positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities. A weaker dollar historically supports returns across risk assets, particularly in emerging markets, which have long been core components of regional portfolios.' She added: 'This outlook underscores a critical moment for investors in the region. As the global environment adjusts to weak dollar dynamics, shifting trade policies, and diverging central bank actions, investors in the Middle East have an opportunity to reposition portfolios with greater international diversification. Asset classes such as emerging market bonds and equities across major regions (including non-US equities) are well-placed to help investors navigate volatility, capture income, and enhance portfolio resilience in today's shifting landscape.' In line with these themes, the report maintains a preference for USD-denominated bonds in the five to seven-year maturity range, citing them as the most attractive in terms of risk-adjusted returns, particularly as yields begin to ease from current levels. Meanwhile, developed market investment grade corporate bonds have been downgraded to Underweight due to tight yield premiums and slower inflows. Alternative investments are also in focus, with the bank highlighting gold as a core allocation, supported by strong central bank demand and its role as a diversifier when bonds offer less downside protection.
Arabian Business
3 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Middle East investors should pivot to emerging markets and gold amid weak dollar: Standard Chartered
Investors in the Middle East should rebalance their portfolios to make the most of a weak dollar, according to a Standard Chartered report. Standard Chartered has released its Global Market Outlook for H2 2025, projecting a 'constructive but volatile' investment landscape, with Middle East investors well-placed to benefit from a weaker US dollar, resilient equity markets, and renewed momentum in emerging markets. The bank's report anticipates a softening US dollar over the next six to 12 months, and has upgraded Asia (ex-Japan) equities and Emerging Market (EM) local-currency bonds to Overweight. Standard Chartered investment report Global equities also remain favoured across portfolios, supported by healthy earnings, easing trade tensions and controlled inflation. Key takeaways for Middle East investors: Emerging markets offer strong return potential in a weak-dollar environment Gold is a core allocation, driven by central bank demand and diversification benefits 5–7 year USD-denominated bonds are preferred for risk-adjusted returns Developed Market Investment Grade corporate bonds downgraded to Underweight due to compressed yields and limited upside Ayesha Abbas, Managing Director and Head of Affluent and Wealth Solutions, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and UAE at Standard Chartered, said: 'As global markets transition into a new phase, Middle East investors are well-positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities. A weaker dollar historically supports returns across risk assets, particularly in emerging markets, which have long been core components of regional portfolios. 'This outlook underscores a critical moment for investors in the region. As the global environment adjusts to weak dollar dynamics, shifting trade policies, and diverging central bank actions, investors in the Middle East have an opportunity to reposition portfolios with greater international diversification. 'Asset classes such as emerging market bonds and equities across major regions (including non-US equities) are well-placed to help investors navigate volatility, capture income, and enhance portfolio resilience in today's shifting landscape.' Alternative investments are also in focus, with the Bank highlighting gold as a core allocation, supported by strong central bank demand and its role as a diversifier when bonds offer less downside protection. As macroeconomic dynamics evolve — including fiscal support in Europe, stabilisation in China, and continued strength in India and ASEAN — Standard Chartered advises investors to adapt proactively to shifting trade policies, diverging central bank actions, and volatile currency trends.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Standard Chartered: Weak Dollar to unlock opportunities in emerging markets and global equities
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Standard Chartered announced today its Global Market Outlook for the second half of 2025, projecting a constructive but volatile environment for investors worldwide. The Bank sees significant implications for Middle East investors, driven by expectations of a softer US dollar, resilient global equity markets and improving prospects for emerging-market assets. The report highlights that global macro conditions remain mixed. In the United States, growth continues to be supported by resilient consumption and fiscal stimulus, though trade and policy uncertainty may temper momentum in the second half of the year. In Europe, fiscal easing increasingly offers support, but structural challenges persist while China's outlook is stabilising on the back of targeted stimulus and improving retail activity. Meanwhile, growth in India and ASEAN is expected to remain well-supported. Against this backdrop, the report outlines an investment strategy reflecting evolving risks and opportunities. We expect the US dollar to weaken over the next 6 to 12 months and have accordingly upgraded Asia (ex-Japan) equities and Emerging Market (EM) local-currency bonds to Overweight. Global equities also remain an Overweight position across portfolios, supported by healthy earnings, easing trade tensions, and controlled inflation (so far). Commenting on the report, Ayesha Abbas, Managing Director and Head of Affluent and Wealth Solutions, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and UAE at Standard Chartered, said: 'As global markets transition into a new phase, Middle East investors are well-positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities. A weaker dollar historically supports returns across risk assets, particularly in emerging markets, which have long been core components of regional portfolios.' She added: 'This outlook underscores a critical moment for investors in the region. As the global environment adjusts to weak dollar dynamics, shifting trade policies, and diverging central bank actions, investors in the Middle East have an opportunity to reposition portfolios with greater international diversification. Asset classes such as emerging market bonds and equities across major regions (including non-US equities) are well-placed to help investors navigate volatility, capture income, and enhance portfolio resilience in today's shifting landscape.' In line with these themes, the report maintains a preference for USD-denominated bonds in the 5–7-year maturity range, citing them as the most attractive in terms of risk-adjusted returns, particularly as yields begin to ease from current levels. Meanwhile, Developed Market Investment Grade corporate bonds have been downgraded to Underweight due to tight yield premiums and slower inflows. Alternative investments are also in focus, with the Bank highlighting gold as a core allocation, supported by strong central bank demand and its role as a diversifier when bonds offer less downside protection. For further information please contact: Khaled Abdulla, CFA® Director, Head of Communications Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing United Arab Emirates About Standard Chartered We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 53 of the world's most dynamic markets. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good. Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges. For more stories and expert opinions please visit Insights at Follow Standard Chartered on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
