
Dear valued clients,
Despite persistent Middle East tensions and rising bond yields, global equities – spearheaded by the US – have extended their bull run.
US earnings growth surged 26% in the latest quarter, led by AI-related companies, resulting in a 13% decline in the market’s Price-to-Earnings ratio to 22x. While above the historical 18x, the PE/G (Price/Earnings-to-Growth) ratio is not out of line once growth expectations are taken into account.
We remain all-in on AI-related exposure, while recognising the market has become increasingly concentrated, with the top 10 AI stocks generating c.78% of index gains.
We see diversified opportunities in other themes, particularly energy, which trades in the low-teens. The return of energy security, plus sustained AI-related capex of some USD1tn p.a. over the next few years, will drive demand for power and electricity. Investment opportunities span renewables and traditional hydrocarbons, as well as energy infrastructure across storage, grid networks, and nuclear power.
On bonds, we avoid ultra-long duration on heightened inflation and supply risks. We remain focused on IG credit with a 5-7Y average portfolio duration for maximum income with lower price downside.
Gold, our core alternative asset class, has recently behaved more like a risk asset due to crowded positioning by speculative flows. We remain constructive over the long term, supported by the structural drivers of de-dollarisation and monetary debasement. Private equity, private credit, and hedge fund strategies will continue to provide returns independent of market direction, helping to strengthen overall portfolio resilience.
Stay invested. Stay diversified. Employ our “barbell” strategy, which has delivered 9.1% annualised net returns (as of 3 Jun 2026) since inception in Sep 2019, despite periods of volatility during Covid-19, the 2022 meltdown from the Fed’s 500 bps of rate hikes, and Liberation Day.
I wish you a profitable second half in your investing journey.
Download the PDF to read the updated 2Q26 CIO Insights report.
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