Michaël Lok

The global economy is becoming more fragmented, creating a complex landscape for investors and policymakers. Geopolitical events, such as the US elections, the Ukraine-Russia war, and heightened tensions in the Middle East, are amplifying market uncertainties. In response, we have raised our conviction on gold from 3/5 to 4/5.

Over the past 15 months, most asset classes have put in positive performances. However, we’ve entered a transitional phase marked by rising volatility, political risks, and market dissonance. To navigate this shifting landscape, we have reduced our global equity exposure and increased our conviction on hedge funds, as alternative investments are well-positioned to capitalise on current market uncertainties.

Earlier in August, global equity markets tumbled due to disappointing US macro data and the unwinding of the Yen carry trade. However, as we expect elevated market volatility until the US Presidential election in November, it may be premature to consider buying the dip.

Equity markets rallied during the first half of the year, driven by earnings growth, a macro backdrop that was more resilient than expected, and continued appetite for AI winners (the “Magnificent 7”). Looking ahead, we anticipate a broadening of equity markets’ leadership. Read more about our insights in the July edition of UBP’s House View.

Our experts examine the tumultuous US election landscape and historical market behaviour during election years, as well as anticipate the fiscal challenges awaiting the next president amidst record-high US federal debt levels.

Les produits structurés ont fortement évolué, notamment grâce à l’essor des réglementations, après avoir longtemps fait l’objet d’un certain scepticisme de la part des investisseurs. Ces instruments restent aujourd’hui encore réservés à un nombre très (trop) limité de clients, mais l’engouement à leur égard devrait toutefois aller crescendo dans les stratégies d’allocation d’actifs.

Eased ECB policies will boost Europe's recovery. As US growth normalises, developed market economies should converge in the second half of the year, while recent regional market rallies have reinforced our confidence in the UK and Switzerland.

In light of the extended duration of high interest rates, we’re employing a carry strategy, ramping up our allocation to high-yield bonds.

The unexpected interest rate cut by the Swiss National Bank marks the beginning of a new cycle of global easing, paving the way for new investment opportunities in the broader market. This has bolstered the Bank’s confidence in the Swiss and UK markets, which have been lagging behind the US indices. In addition, we have locked in gains on gold, which was the top performer in March.