Name of game in current state of play: Navigate the turbulence

PROJECTING the market and economic outlook has become the staple of analysts, strategists and thought leaders every January. This year has been no different.

Given the uncertainties in the geopolitical outlook, there is no shortage of market experts citing turbulence and trouble in various asset classes and geographies. The trade war between the US and China is the marquee event cited by most analysts. President Donald Trump's unpredictability and Twitter storms have spawned a cottage industry in analyses and projections of the state of play.

Across the Atlantic, there is the issue of Brexit and uncertainties associated with it. A hard Brexit would hit both Britain and Europe. But if Prime Minister Theresa May's deal doesn't get through her own Parliament, there may even be a distinct possibility of a second referendum. And Europe has its own challenges. It's southern fringes remain economically wobbly. And the continent's largest economy, Germany, posted weak December numbers, prompting fears of a recession. Also, the single currency is proving to be more problematic than first thought, prompting calls for serious reform as it marks 20 years this year.