Portfolio
What to watch in 2026: ASEAN
Democratic voices will rise. Regional supply chains will evolve, but ties will be preserved with both the US and China
BOJ stays put but indicates more rate rises to come
We expect the next policy rate increase in the first quarter of 2026, when inflation and wage trends become clearer
Fiscal expansion will require a supportive monetary stance
Tensions emerge between fiscal expansion and monetary tightening, elevating bond yields and increasing yen volatility
Laos targets high-value sector pivot amid crypto wind-down
Energy is moving to high-value sectors, but progress will be slow and exports will remain vital in the near term
Hong Kong backs mainland integration over fiscal surplus
Implementation of the policy measures announced by the chief executive will be the critical test of credibility
Strict stablecoin rules set standards but deter uptake
Stablecoin regulation bolsters Hong Kong’s regulatory clout, but compliance requirements will limit its appeal
Hong Kong's growth set to fade in second half of 2025
Domestic demand will struggle to offset fading export-driven growth as front‑loading unwinds for the rest of 2025
Hong Kong's currency peg remains defensible
Despite recent interventions, authorities have ample reserves to defend against currency pressures