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As we look ahead, the global market outlook remains shaped by several key developments. Despite geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflicts, such as the humanitarian crisis between Israel and Hamas, we expect limited broader economic impact due to stabilizing military presence and containment measures. The risk of a wider regional conflict appears low, preserving global market stability for the time being.
US Economic Resilience and Slowdown Expectations
In the US, resilience continues to be a dominant theme. While the Federal Reserve’s tightening measures have been in place since 2022, the financial system remains robust, supported by the aftereffects of COVID-19 stimulus and substantial fiscal spending by the US government. This liquidity, however, is expected to taper, with a corresponding economic slowdown projected over the medium term. Current forecasts suggest GDP growth of 0.7% in Q4 2023 and 0.3% in Q1 2024, indicating a likely deceleration in the coming quarters.
China’s Recovery Gains Momentum
China’s economy has begun to gain notable momentum, driven by improving retail sales, imports, and industrial output. The government has recently announced a significant RMB 1 trillion stimulus package to further bolster the recovery. However, investor sentiment remains cautious, keeping valuations suppressed relative to the US. We believe that this discrepancy is unsustainable and anticipate that over the medium term, valuations in China will close the gap, driven by stronger economic fundamentals.
Japan’s Stimulus and Growth Prospects
Japan is emerging as an intriguing opportunity as it moves away from years of deflation, with inflation now supported by demand. In response to weakening economic data, the Japanese government has introduced a US$ 110 billion stimulus package aimed at boosting private consumption. This should translate into economic growth in the near-to-medium term, further enhancing Japan’s market potential.
Focus on Asia Amid Geopolitical Stability
Asia remains our primary focus, especially in light of recent positive developments in China’s economic data and a decrease in US-China geopolitical tensions following the Biden-Xi meeting in San Francisco. Agreements between both countries signal a more stable relationship, reducing trade war fears and enhancing the region’s investment appeal.
Overall, we maintain a cautiously optimistic view, focusing on opportunities in Asia while monitoring the evolving macroeconomic landscape.
Related Market Outlooks
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2026 March Market Outlook: Markets Under Pressure as Geopolitical Tensions Rise
The US-Israel war with Iran has created a delicate balancing act between investing for resilient growth and managing geopolitical volatility. While a "soft landing" remains the baseline for many advanced economies, the landscape has grown more complex following the late-February shocks.On interest rate watch, the US Fed is expected to maintain a "higher-for-longer" stance to counter inflationary pressures from rising energy cost, and to a lesser extent the new 15% global tariffs. Markets are pricing in a sustained "war premium" in energy. With Brent crude hovering near $100, any further escalation in the Middle East could reignite global supply-side inflation, which may lead to extended high-interest-rate environment and hence leading to a sharp global economic slowdown.