CIO Insights

Overview Today’s financial markets resemble a stretched rubber band — seemingly steady, yet under growing tension. Every new record high, every wave of optimism, and every injection of speculative enthusiasm stretches that band a little further. For a time, it holds. But the tighter it gets, the more fragile it… Read More »PACIFIC NAVIGATOR – The Great Stretch: Why Markets Snap Without Warning? [October 2025]

MONTHLY ECONOMIC & INVESTMENT REVIEW – SEPTEMBER 2025: Global markets delivered mixed results in September 2025. Developed equities advanced as easing trade tensions and central bank rate cuts supported sentiment, while Australian shares declined on weakness in energy and healthcare sectors. Emerging markets led gains, driven by China and Brazil.… Read More »PACIFIC COMPASS – Gold Shines Amid Easing and Mixed Markets [September 2025 Review]

Executive Summary There has been some recent chatter from economists about the possibility of a stagflationary period precipitated by demographic and deglobalisation forces. Stagflation is characterized by simultaneous high inflation, sluggish economic growth, and elevated unemployment. It last occurred widely in the 1970s–early 1980s, driven by oil shocks, productivity slowdown,… Read More »PACIFIC NAVIGATOR – Stagflation Watch: a 12-36 Month Investor Playbook [September 2025]

MONTHLY ECONOMIC & INVESTMENT REVIEW – AUGUST 2025: Growth assets again outperformed Defensive assets in August. Australia shares led other developed market peers largely due to a powerful run in Mining stocks. Global equities advanced on resilient earnings and growing confidence in further interest rate cuts. The RBA as expected,… Read More »PACIFIC COMPASS – Balanced Growth with Cautious Positioning [August 2025 Review]

Executive Summary AI is powering markets, not the economy. Valuations have soared as AI giants dominate the S&P 500, but productivity gains and profits lag behind the hype. Rising energy costs and shrinking free cash flows signal risks ahead. The long-term upside is immense, but near-term earnings disappointment could hit… Read More »PACIFIC NAVIGATOR – AI: A Stock Market Story Rather than an Economic Reality….so far [August 2025]

Global equity markets advanced again in July, supported by easing trade tensions, resilient
economic data, and optimism heading into corporate earnings season. U.S. and global
indices reached or approached record highs, while Australian equities gained ahead of the
local reporting period. Sector performance was broad-based, with a rotation towards
defensive and quality names. Commodity prices strengthened, led by oil and iron ore.

CHARTING A NEW COURSE: WHY EMERGING MARKETSARE BACK ON THE INVESTMENT MAP – JULY 2025 Executive SummaryEmerging markets are developing economies transitioning toward industrialization andhigher income. Major constituents include China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, SouthAfrica, Turkey, Malaysia, Thailand, and Chile. From currency tailwinds to structural reform andtechnological dominance, emerging markets… Read More »PACIFIC NAVIGATOR – Charting a New Course: Why Emerging Markets are Back On The Investment Map [July 2025]

MONTHLY ECONOMIC & INVESTMENT REVIEW – JUNE 2025: 1. Executive Summary Global equity markets rose during June despite persistent geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainty. Supportive factors included market optimism around interest rate cuts and steady consumer spending. However, concerns linger: cooling labour markets, elevated US tariffs, and signs of a… Read More »PACIFIC COMPASS – Defensive Today, Positioned for Tomorrow [June 2025 Review]

MONTHLY ECONOMIC & INVESTMENT REVIEW: MAY 2025 1. Executive Summary Global equity markets rebounded in May 2025, supported by a temporary pause in US-China tariff escalation and dovish central bank signals. However, we remain concerned that equities are pricing in little economic risk, particularly in the US. Australian markets benefited… Read More »PACIFIC COMPASS – Defensive Positioning Amid Global Uncertainty [May 2025 Review]

MONTHLY ECONOMIC & INVESTMENT REVIEW April  2025 Summary Points OUTLOOK