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State of play at half-time of 2026

Investors should design a game plan, stay committed to their strategy and focus on long-term performance

    • Equity markets rallied in April and May despite headwinds in the Middle East peace process, inflationary pressure and rising bond yields.
    • Equity markets rallied in April and May despite headwinds in the Middle East peace process, inflationary pressure and rising bond yields. PHOTO: REUTERS
    Published Tue, Jun 9, 2026 · 04:57 PM

    AS THE World Cup season kicks off in June, global equity markets have been in full swing despite a volatile first half.

    Despite the headwinds in the Middle East peace process, elevated energy prices, inflationary pressure and rising bond yields, equity markets have rallied in April and May, with developed markets equity indices recording new all-time highs.

    Artificial intelligence-related sectors, including semiconductors and large-cap tech stocks in the US and North Asia, enjoyed gains on the back of a rerating. Prospects after the Trump-Xi Summit and US-Iran peace negotiations eased investors’ concerns about the macro, trade and corporate environment.