Ageing economies face a stark choice: either do nothing and decline in population and economic activity or invest in innovation and technological transformation and continue to grow.
World
In partnership with M&G Investments
2025 was a year of resilience and record-breaking returns − but also of extreme volatility. As 2026 gets underway, questions abound about the potential market drivers. Will further US rate cuts materialise, or will sticky inflation derail the script? Are today’s tech titans truly rewriting the productivity playbook, or are we witnessing the early tremors of an AI bubble? And could the reopening of the IPO market lift investor confidence in private markets?
%20ASIA-SG%20HK%2001-26.jpg&c=1&h=360&q=100&v=20265923&w=640)
The life insurer prioritises balance-sheet stability and market liquidity over yield-chasing, favouring larger bond issues and benchmark tracking through deteriorating return prospects and elevated hedging costs.
With total assets of over $60 trillion, state-owned investors are expanding their partnerships while some are expected to become sovereign asset managers in coming years.
Trump’s “Donroe Doctrine” move puts Washington in charge of the South American nation's political transition — and vast oil reserves.
China-US tensions continue to shape global market narratives, yet allocator behaviour shows geopolitics remains secondary in capital decisions.
Temasek joins $8.4bn Clearwater Analytics takeover; Trian Fund Management and other global investors to drive $7.4bn Janus Henderson buyout; Japan's Amova to take full control of AHAM in $575m deal.
Offshore wind is seen as a first-class investment opportunity that should provide over 10% New Zealand's future electricity needs.
.jpg&c=1&h=194&q=100&v=20265923&w=344)
From AI-driven capex and service digitalisation to a weaker US dollar and stronger domestic markets, investors see emerging Asia, selective European value, and high‑quality franchises as the main winners in a fragmented global equity landscape.
The Dutch pension giant views New Zealand as a core market where it sees long‑term conviction and measurable environmental outcomes.
Following the UK's examination of Australia's superannuation system last year, the Trump administration is now signalling serious consideration of the mandatory savings model for US retirement savings.
AI investment themes for 2026 may centre on infrastructure enablers, upstream semiconductors, and strong Asian players, with regulatory and capital expenditure concentration as key risks.
