3 March 2026
Alex Grassino, Global Chief Economist

Alex Grassino, Global Chief Economist, shares his latest views on the recent increase in military activity and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Global geopolitical and economic uncertainty has unfortunately become a defining characteristic of the 2020s, the recent increase in military activity and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East being yet another example. The beginning of U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran prompted swift retaliatory action, which included an attempted drone strike on Qatar’s energy infrastructure. While no damage was recorded, a major liquefied natural gas terminal was closed, signaling the potential for broader fallout than resulted from the June 2025 Israel-Iran conflict.
Economic and market implications for oil prices
Recent geopolitical tensions involving Iran have renewed focus on oil prices and their potential economic and market effects. Paul Kalogirou, Head of Client Portfolio Management, Asia & Global Multi-Asset Solutions, shares latest views on it.
The case for liquid real assets in a shifting inflation regime
For over a decade, global investors operated under the assumption that inflation would remain subdued, anchored below 2% - a belief reinforced by central bank credibility and structural disinflationary forces like globalisation and technological deflation. However, the post-pandemic world has ushered in a new regime of structurally higher inflation risks, with evolving policy responses that make liquid real assets increasingly attractive.
Fed’s first rate cut of 2025: Implications & takeaways
After nine months on pause, the US Federal Reserve (Fed) announced another rate cut of 25 basis points (bps) on 17 September (US time), bringing the federal funds rate into a target range of 4%-4.25%. Alex Grassino, Global Chief Economist, and Yuting Shao, Senior Global Macro Strategist, share their latest views on the rate decision and its implications for Asia.
Middle East developments - Implications for Asian equities and fixed income
The Asian Equities and Asian Fixed Income team assess the recent Middle East developments and implications for Asia asset classes.
Quick comments on geopolitical tensions in the Middle East
Alex Grassino, Global Chief Economist, shares his latest views on the recent increase in military activity and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Economic and market implications for oil prices
Recent geopolitical tensions involving Iran have renewed focus on oil prices and their potential economic and market effects. Paul Kalogirou, Head of Client Portfolio Management, Asia & Global Multi-Asset Solutions, shares latest views on it.