As we look ahead to 2026, global markets are entering a transformative era - defined by volatility but brimming with investment opportunities for those willing to turn over the rocks.
Our 2026 investment outlook series is the playbook - Eyes on the Upside: Where Active Sees Opportunity in 2026. Our leading investment experts unpack the evolving landscape, highlight the asset classes, regions and sectors set to shape returns, and the active strategies they're employing to unlock alpha as we look ahead.
"If you have the ability to be dynamic, to lean in and out of risk, there are always opportunities out there."
Head of Multi-Asset and Fixed Income, Australia
Investment outlooks for markets and portfolios in 2026
Multi-Asset Outlook: Tailwinds fill the sails despite turbulent seas
Sebastian Mullins, Head of Multi-Asset and Fixed Income, Australia, highlights that global markets are entering a more volatile but opportunity-rich era, driven by a major shift towards fiscal policy dominance, elevated government spending, and persistent inflation - requiring investors to be flexible and dynamic with asset allocation.
Fixed Income Outlook: Macro regime shift - from monetary to fiscal dominance
Kellie Wood, Head of Fixed Income, outlines a major macroeconomic shift for fixed income markets where fiscal policy - rather than monetary policy - is now steering economic outcomes, with rising public debt, persistent inflation, and greater investment dispersion demanding a more dynamic, active approach to fixed income allocation.
Australian Equities Outlook: We're not in Kansas anymore
Martin Conlon, Head of Australian Equities, discusses how Australian equity markets are facing growing imbalance and rapid structural change fuelled by factors such as soaring government deficits, the dominance of network giants, Chinese competition, and persistent monetary intervention - requiring investors to rethink where true long-term value exists.
Private Equity Outlook: Don’t dream it's over - step outside the crowded house
Claire Smith, Head of Investment Directors, Public and Private Markets, explores how small and mid-cap private equity is forging a distinct path and outperforming crowded large-cap markets. She highlights how rigorous selection, broad global access, and innovative liquidity strategies are positioning investors for resilient returns heading into 2026.
Global Equities Outlook: The more things change, the more they remain the same
As global equities investors grapple with lingering uncertainty, Ben Arnold, Investment Director, Global Equities, highlights that resilient growth masks risks from deficits and the AI boom - making selectivity, discipline, and finding opportunities beyond mega-cap tech more crucial than ever.
Global Emerging Markets
After a strong run, can a bull case still be made for EM equities in 2026?
Emerging market (EM) equities have performed strongly in 2025, outperforming global equities. After more than a decade of underperformance, are we at an inflection point and to what extent can EM equities continue to deliver good US dollar returns in 2026? Tom Wilson, Head of Emerging Market Equities, explores China, India, Taiwan, and Korea and discovers where active investors are finding opportunities across EM, even as uncertainty persists.
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Investment outlooks from our London-based teams
Where to find resilience and returns against a backdrop of uncertainty, volatility and opportunity - our experts look ahead to 2026.
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