Macro Outlook - Standard Chartered Bank's Wealth Solutions Division released the "Global Market Outlook for the Second Half of 2025," indicating that global central bank easing, a potential soft landing for the U.S. economy, and a weaker dollar are favorable for risk assets, maintaining a positive outlook on global equities [1] - The bank expects a weaker dollar to benefit the euro, pound, yen, and 5-7 year U.S. dollar bonds, while upgrading emerging market local currency debt to overweight [1] Investment Strategy - The Chief Investment Officer for North Asia at Standard Chartered, Zheng Zifeng, highlighted the current uncertain global investment environment, emphasizing the structural risks of "de-dollarization" and the influx of funds into emerging markets due to a weaker dollar [1] - The bank suggests that investors should diversify not only across asset classes but also geographically to maintain long-term superior returns [1] Fixed Income - Standard Chartered views the bond market as a core investment allocation, overweighting emerging market local currency government bonds while underweighting developed market investment-grade corporate bonds due to high valuations and risks associated with U.S. economic growth uncertainty [2] - The bank remains positive on emerging market Asian local currency bonds, UK government bonds (unhedged), and U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities [2] Equities - The bank continues to overweight global equities, citing easing trade tensions and robust earnings growth, despite the impact of tariffs [2] - Asian (excluding Japan) equities have been upgraded to overweight, driven by a weaker dollar attracting more funds into emerging markets [2] Currency Outlook - Standard Chartered anticipates a weaker dollar over the next 6 to 12 months, with the euro and yen likely benefiting from this trend, while the pound shows resilience [2] Commodities - In the gold market, if Middle Eastern tensions are controlled, short-term upside for gold may be limited, but it remains an important strategic hedge [3] - The bank raised its 3-month gold price forecast to $3,400 while maintaining a 12-month forecast of $3,500 [3] - For oil, Standard Chartered expects prices to stabilize around $65 per barrel in the next 3 to 12 months, with geopolitical risks potentially causing short-term spikes [3]