Navigating chaotic markets

Maybank CIO Eddy Loh talks to BT’s Ben Paul about AI, gold and geopolitics, and why some Asean markets may perform strongly later this year.

Listen.30:09
Published Tue, Jul 7, 2026 · 05:00 AM

Halfway through one of the most eventful years in recent memory, it feels like a good moment to step back from the headlines and ask what is actually happening in markets and what investors should do about it. The AI rally is in its fourth year. Geopolitical risk has not gone away. The Fed’s direction is genuinely uncertain. And yet stocks in the US, Europe, Japan and Singapore are sitting close to all-time highs. Something has to give, or does it?

In this episode of Mark To Market, a BT Correspondents podcast, Ben Paul speaks with Eddy Loh, chief investment officer for Group Wealth Management at Maybank, for a mid-year review that covers the big structural trends, the regional opportunities and the risks that investors are not paying enough attention to.

Why listen

  • Why corporate earnings are the real reason markets keep hitting records Loh explains what has been holding markets up through geopolitical shocks, AI uncertainty and shifting rate expectations, and why that foundation matters more than any single headline.
  • Why AI investing is now a three-stage story From infrastructure providers to monetisation plays to enterprise users, Loh maps out where the value is moving and why broadening exposure across the AI value chain is now essential.
  • Why Maybank expects the Fed to hold rates steady when markets are pricing in hikes  US CPI hit 4.2 per cent on the last print, and markets have swung from pricing two cuts to nearly two hikes. Loh explains the logic behind Maybank’s contrarian call and what it would mean for Asian currencies and markets if they are right.
  • Why Singapore and Malaysia are Maybank’s top two Asean picks right now  Loh is specific about the structural catalysts behind each market and candid about why Indonesia needs more time before confidence can be restored.

The message is not complicated: stay diversified, stay disciplined and do not let the headlines make your decisions for you. This conversation gives you the framework to do exactly that. Listen now.

Discover more episodes at bt.sg/podcasts. Got feedback? Email us at btpodcasts@sph.com.sg.

---

Asean Intelligence

Get insights into businesses across South-east Asia

Get the free report

Written and hosted by: Ben Paul (benpaul@sph.com.sg)

With Eddy Loh, chief investment officer for Group Wealth Management, Maybank

Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: Ben Paul, Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh

A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

---

Follow BT Correspondents:

Channel: bt.sg/btcobt

Amazon: bt.sg/btcoam

Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/btcoap

Spotify: bt.sg/btcosp

YouTube Music: bt.sg/btcoyt

Website: bt.sg/btcorresp

Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

---

Discover more BT podcast series:

BT Money Hacks: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks

BT Podcasts: bt.sg/pcOM

BT Market Focus: bt.sg/btmktfocus

BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson

Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.

Copyright SPH Media. All rights reserved.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

BT Correspondents brings together some of The Business Times’ most trusted columnists in a single series. Featuring Mark to Market, WealthBT, TransportBT, and PropertyBT, weekly episodes deliver expert analysis and clear perspectives on stocks, wealth, mobility, and real estate. It is essential listening for professionals who want context, clarity, and depth.