Macroeconomic insights
Macroeconomic trends shape the foundations of financial markets. From growth cycles and inflation to fiscal and monetary policy, these forces influence investment performance and long-term strategy.
Understanding macroeconomics
Our experts provide in-depth perspectives on the key drivers of the global economy, analysing shifts in interest rates, trade balances and capital flows to help investors navigate an evolving landscape with clarity and foresight.
Horizon 2026 – Our macroeconomic publication
In 2026, geopolitical tensions continue to rise, the USA and China compete for dominance and countries are shifting towards strategic autonomy. Until now, the economy was powered by fossil fuels. The economy of the future will be powered by energy and materials. Emerging economies are gaining importance, supplying what the world needs most, AI infrastructure and raw materials. But scarcity and other secular drivers are driving up inflation, from 2% to ~3% creating demand for capital. Central banks are exploring digital currencies to preserve monetary sovereignty as landscape is changing. In this race for resource sovereignty, investors should consider a refreshed approach.
Horizon 2026
The race for resource sovereignty
Our macroeconomics outlook revisits long-term economic and asset class forecasts and delves into some of the key topics we expect to drive markets over the coming years.
All insights on macroeconomics
Macroeconomics · 28 Sep 2026
Weekly house view | Markets are a-Mused
The CIO’s view of the week ahead.
Macroeconomics · 25 Sep 2026
Energy independence and access to commodities in the era of electrification
Energy independence and secure access to commodities have become central to economic policy in the 2020s, shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, market volatility and the global climate transition.
Macroeconomics · 23 Sep 2026
From monetary independence to fiscal dominance?
In previous “Horizon” publications, we have highlighted several structural trends shaping economies, including demographics, deglobalisation, decarbonisation, debt and digitalisation. Successive crises – such as the Covid pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the trade war and the recent Middle East conflict – have exacerbated these trends.
Macroeconomics · 23 Sep 2026
The great scramble for resources
Today’s increasingly fragmented world is driving a dash to secure resource sovereignty. Across the globe, governments are prioritising energy security and access to key commodities in the face of conflicts, trade barriers and climate change.
Macroeconomics · 21 Sep 2026
Weekly house view | Xi-Trump, round two
The CIO’s view of the week ahead.
Macroeconomics · 21 Sep 2026
Stablecoins versus the digital euro
The rapid evolution of digital finance has brought stablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) to the forefront of global economic discussions. Stablecoins, which are digital assets designed to maintain a stable value, have experienced explosive growth. This is prompting new regulatory frameworks and raising important questions about their impact on financial stability, monetary policy and the international monetary system. At the same time, central banks are exploring digital currencies to preserve monetary sovereignty and adapt to changing payment landscapes.
Macroeconomics · 15 Sep 2026
The 2020s in historical perspective
Sir Niall Ferguson has spent his career explaining how economic history can help inform contemporary policy decisions. His latest theory, dubbed “Ferguson’s Law,” highlights how US fiscal profligacy threatens the durability of American power just as a second Cold War is emerging between the US and China.
Macroeconomics · 14 Sep 2026
Weekly house view | Bonds not Ha-PPI
The CIO’s view of the week ahead.
Macroeconomics · 09 Sep 2026
Re-equitisation: investing in a high issuance era
For much of the past two decades, equity investors have enjoyed a powerful tailwind: the phenomenon of “de-equitisation.” During this period, companies have bought back more shares than they issued, which has reduced the volume of listed equities and supported stock prices. That era appears to be ending.
Macroeconomics · 08 Sep 2026
Horizon 2026 – The race for resource sovereignty
A new era is upon us. The post-war, rules-based period of multilateralism has given way to multipolar rivalry and, by extension, heightened geopolitical tensions in a more uncertain world. At the core of this multipolar rivalry is a competition for supremacy between the US and China. And at the heart of their rivalry is a race for technological leadership – particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The superpowers’ quest for digital dominance extends to a competition for the resources needed to power the AI economy. Their fragile trade truce is indicative of a highly charged environment, in which “resource sovereignty” is the defining imperative.
Macroeconomics · 07 Sep 2026
Monthly house view | September 2026
Pictet Wealth Management’s latest positioning across asset classes and investment themes.
Macroeconomics · 07 Sep 2026
Weekly house view | Fed waiting for CPI to decide
The CIO’s view of the week ahead.
Macroeconomics · 02 Sep 2026
Barometer: Robust earnings growth to push equities higher
With corporate profit growth at remarkably healthy levels, we expect the stock market to add to its strong gains over the coming months.
Macroeconomics · 31 Aug 2026
Weekly house view | Biggest oil deal in history
The CIO’s view of the week ahead.
Macroeconomics · 24 Aug 2026
Weekly house view | The “Bessent put”
The CIO’s view of the week ahead.
Macroeconomics · 17 Aug 2026
Weekly house view | All eyes on Fed and retailers
The CIO’s view of the week ahead.
Macroeconomics · 10 Aug 2026
Weekly house view | Inflation anticipation
The CIO’s view of the week ahead.
Macroeconomics · 05 Aug 2026
Barometer: Staying the course on equities
Equity markets have further to run thanks to strong earnings, resilient economic growth and continued investment in AI.
Macroeconomics · 04 Aug 2026
Monthly house view | August 2026
Pictet Wealth Management’s latest positioning across asset classes and investment themes.
Macroeconomics · 03 Aug 2026
Weekly house view | Situational (mis) awareness
The CIO’s view of the week ahead.
Macroeconomics · 27 Jul 2026
Weekly house view | AI capex mistrust
The CIO’s view of the week ahead.
Macroeconomics · 20 Jul 2026
Weekly house view | Chip dip
The CIO’s view of the week ahead.
Macroeconomics · 16 Jul 2026
Will China rule Artificial Intelligence like it does Electric Vehicles?
The US’s longstanding leadership in technological innovation is being challenged. Not only is China already at the vanguard in everything to do with electrification and clean energy, it’s also making giant strides in catching up with the US in the hottest field in tech right now: AI. Who prevails in the race for AI supremacy will shape the world for decades to come.
Macroeconomics · 13 Jul 2026
Weekly house view | Hormuz, open or closed?
The CIO’s view of the week ahead.
Macroeconomics · 10 Jul 2026
Secular Outlook 2026: Our 10-year investment outlook
Understand the key trends shaping returns across equities, fixed income, currencies and alternatives.
Macroeconomics · 07 Jul 2026
A new world (dis)order
This year, the relentless flow of financial news and geopolitical events can feel overwhelming. In the first quarter of 2026, geopolitical developments related to Venezuela, Greenland and Iran contributed to heightened market volatility. During the same period, artificial intelligence tools showed their potential to disrupt established business models.
Macroeconomics · 06 Jul 2026
Weekly house view | German reform package agreed
The CIO’s view of the week ahead.
Macroeconomics · 06 Jul 2026
Monthly house view | July 2026
Pictet Wealth Management’s latest positioning across asset classes and investment themes.
Macroeconomics · 02 Jul 2026
Barometer: Equity rally to roll on as stagflation risks recede
With inflationary pressures likely to abate as the US and Iran make progress towards a peace agreement that would stabilise oil markets, equities should build on their recent gains.
Macroeconomics · 29 Jun 2026
Weekly house view | Happy 250th Anniversary
The CIO’s view of the week ahead.
Macroeconomics · 22 Jun 2026
Weekly house view | Regime change at the Fed
The CIO’s view of the week ahead.
Macroeconomics · 15 Jun 2026
Weekly house view | A deal… to sign a deal
The CIO’s view of the week ahead.
Macroeconomics · 02 Jun 2026
Barometer: In earnings we trust
Corporate profits are growing at a remarkable pace across the world. That is sure to sustain the equity rally over the medium run.
Macroeconomics · 26 May 2026
Under new management: what bond investors should know about a Warsh-led Fed
Kevin Warsh is set to be confirmed as the new chairman of the US Federal Reserve. In this Q&A, Mickael Benhaim, head of fixed income investment strategy and solutions at Pictet Asset Management, explains what investors should expect from a Fed chief that has been publicly critical of how the US central bank conducts monetary policy.
Macroeconomics · 06 May 2026
Barometer: Prospects for US, emerging market stocks remain strong
Even though there is no end in sight to the Iran conflict, the outlook for both emerging market and US equities remains positive; we upgrade both to overweight.
Macroeconomics · 31 Mar 2026
Barometer: Iran conflict demands earnest reassessment of active positions
Conflicting signals on how the war in Iran might come to an end have caused violent swings in asset prices. Against this backdrop, we have chosen to reduce allocations to emerging markets and cyclical sectors.
Macroeconomics · 03 Mar 2026
Barometer: Stock market rotation won’t derail rally
Concerns over the economic effects of AI have led to changes in the patterns of returns across stock markets worldwide. But we see no reason for the equity rally to falter over the near term.
Macroeconomics · 08 Jan 2026
Barometer: Stocks set for further gains as economic conditions remain benign
We remain overweight stocks, and expect emerging market equities to build on their gains thanks to additional rate cuts and healthy economic growth
Macroeconomics · 08 Dec 2025
In focus: Sir Niall Ferguson – Cold War II
Sir Niall Ferguson, Managing Director, Greenmantle, has spent his career explaining how economic history can help inform contemporary policy decisions. His latest theory, dubbed “Ferguson’s Law” highlights how US fiscal mismanagement could threaten the durability of American power just as a second cold war is emerging between the US and China.
Macroeconomics · 03 Dec 2025
Pictet Asset Management’s Annual Outlook for 2026
Global equities should build on their gains next year, with emerging market stocks delivering among the best returns. In fixed income and currency markets, government bond yields could edge higher over 2026 while the US dollar is set to depreciate further.
Macroeconomics · 26 Nov 2025
Time to get real
Watch the video to see why real assets matter in today’s changing market.
Macroeconomics · 06 Nov 2025
Global trade capital flows and the US dollar
The US has long been a dominant force in the global economy, bolstered by its status as the world’s largest economy and the dollar’s role as the primary reserve currency. However, this foundation is coming under growing pressure, as the rapid expansion of its twin-deficits is causing concern among market participants.
Macroeconomics · 05 Nov 2025
Barometer: Rally appears set to continue into year end
We retain our overweight stance on equities as corporate earnings and economic conditions suggest the rally will extend into year end.
Macroeconomics · 16 Oct 2025
The great digital decoupling
When Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek launched a large language model in January with a similar performance to that of US rival OpenAI at a fraction of the cost and computing power, it did not just set the stage for a battle between the US and China for AI supremacy.
Macroeconomics · 03 Oct 2025
Barometer: Moving overweight equities as economy remains resilient
With the global economy proving more resilient than expected, we upgrade equities to overweight.
Macroeconomics · 03 Sep 2025
Barometer: Emerging markets more attractive than expensive US
While equity markets are buoyant worldwide, emerging markets stocks and bonds are the only assets that merit an 'overweight' allocation.
Macroeconomics · 05 Aug 2025
Barometer: Balancing the risks
Continued uncertainty over tariffs, a mixed economic backdrop and stretched valuations warrant a neutral stance across global equities, bonds and cash.
Macroeconomics · 17 Jul 2025
Embracing endowment-style investing
Endowment-style investing is about a disciplined, long-term approach to creating well-diversified portfolios built on solid strategic asset allocation.
Macroeconomics · 04 Jul 2025
Barometer: Equities enter slightly calmer waters
We upgrade equities to neutral from underweight as falling interest rates and improving economic conditions in emerging markets offset uncertainty over US tariff policies.
Macroeconomics · 27 Jun 2025
Secular Outlook 2025: Five-year return forecasts for equities, bonds, currencies and alternatives
We anticipate that returns across major asset classes will converge over the next five years. As a long-term investor, this presents you with an opportunity to reassess and refine your strategic asset allocation. Our experts share detailed forecasts and actionable recommendations.
Macroeconomics · 02 Jun 2025
Barometer: Cautious on equities as US flip-flops on tariffs
We remain underweight most developed market stocks as US tariff policy is still unclear but are more enthusiastic about emerging market assets.
Macroeconomics · 22 May 2025
Tilting away from the US
US policy is pushing investors to look beyond the US, a reallocation that is set to include private assets.
Macroeconomics · 22 May 2025
The rise of BRICS+ and what it means for emerging market stocks
A new world economic order with BRICS+ nations at its core could give rise to a wealth of investment opportunities within emerging market equities.
Macroeconomics · 22 May 2025
BRICS+, US isolationism and the implications for the dollar
Washington's diminished role in the global economy will lead to a steady erosion of the US dollar’s status as a reserve currency.
Macroeconomics · 08 May 2025
Barometer: Equities set for further falls as tariffs bite
As the effects of US import tariffs begin to emerge, we shift our stance on equities to underweight
Macroeconomics · 08 Apr 2025
Liberation Day sell-off: Trump tariff blitz raises recession risk
Investors should reduce risk and seek haven in defensive sectors and government bonds as the tariff shock raises the risk of US recession.
Macroeconomics · 03 Apr 2025
Barometer: Emerging market assets offer refuge from Trump tariffs
With China's economic recovery gathering strength, we expect emerging market stocks and bonds to fare better than their tariff-hit developed market peers over the coming months.
Macroeconomics · 26 Mar 2025
Caroline Reyl: reflecting on 20 years managing Pictet’s Premium Brands strategy
To mark two decades of managing the strategy, we delve into the journey of Pictet’s Premium Brands strategy with Caroline Reyl, the Senior Investment Manager. Caroline has been at the helm of the strategy since its inception in 2005. In this interview, she offers an insider's perspective on the evolution and milestones of this journey.
Macroeconomics · 13 Mar 2025
Emerging market economies are more resilient than investors realise
Emerging market economies are proving to be far more resilient than in the past thanks to healthier fundamentals than most investors realise.
Macroeconomics · 04 Mar 2025
Barometer: Buying into Europe's Renaissance
Corporate earnings in Europe are on a tear. That's one reason why we're upgrading the region's stocks to overweight.
Macroeconomics · 20 Feb 2025
Malaysia: back on the emerging market equities map
Reform and investment are bringing Malaysia out of the shadows, opening up new investment opportunities in emerging market equities.
Macroeconomics · 19 Feb 2025
China isn’t turning Japanese
China's debt mountain and recent economic woes have investors worried it might be headed towards the type of debt deflation that triggered Japan's lost decades from the early 1990s. We think that's unlikely.
Macroeconomics · 06 Feb 2025
Barometer: US a bright spot as risks to rally multiply
As risks to the world economy multiply we have downgraded equities to neutral but still expect US stocks to outperform most other markets.
Macroeconomics · 29 Jan 2025
Emerging market companies narrowing the sustainability gap
Emerging market companies are improving their sustainability scores faster than the global average, suggesting they could soon become a key feature of sustainable equity portfolios.
Macroeconomics · 24 Jan 2025
European direct lending in 2025: looking beyond the crowds
Europe's growing private debt universe presents attractive investment opportunities, particularly in the less crowded lower mid-market.
Macroeconomics · 14 Jan 2025
The 5 lessons investors should learn from 2024
Gold was a top performer in unusual circumstances while US exceptionalism held firm.
Macroeconomics · 08 Jan 2025
Barometer: Sticking with stocks
Although last year’s rally has taken valuations for stocks to lofty levels, we believe US equities can build on their gains in the first few weeks of 2025.
Macroeconomics · 03 Dec 2024
Annual outlook for 2025
Resilient growth and falling interest rates in major economies should help equities outperform bonds next year, with US in the lead.
Macroeconomics · 07 Nov 2024
What does Trump’s victory mean for markets?
Donald Trump’s presidency should be good news for the dollar and US equities, but less positive for US bonds and emerging markets.
Macroeconomics · 05 Nov 2024
Barometer: US stocks have more to give
While the approaching US election has some investors on edge, we remain confident that the American economy will experience a soft landing whoever secures the White House. As a result, we remain overweight stocks and upgrade US equity.
Macroeconomics · 28 Oct 2024
Future-proofing the grid: an electrifying endeavour
An overhaul of energy infrastructure to allow more sustainability is stimulating investment across the sector.
Macroeconomics · 24 Oct 2024
An economy in transition
As climate change awareness grows, businesses take steps to improve ecosystem resilience.
Macroeconomics · 17 Oct 2024
Conflicts, elections, corrections: navigating the noise in financial markets
In a world where the relentless stream of news around financial markets can be overwhelming, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture and the underlying trends.
Macroeconomics · 04 Oct 2024
Barometer: Emerging markets' turn to shine
The prospects for emerging market stocks and bonds outside China are improving as interest rates fall worldwide.
Macroeconomics · 06 Sep 2024
Barometer: Conditions favour Swiss and financial stocks
Prospects for Swiss and financial stocks look bright even if equity markets are likely to remain volatile.
Macroeconomics · 22 Aug 2024
Euro area wages
Falling wage growth in Q2 seals deal for September rate cut.
Macroeconomics · 02 Jul 2024
Barometer: Scaling back IT but still positive on stocks
Conditions remain favourable for equity markets overall but we trim exposure to tech stocks following their stellar run.
Macroeconomics · 25 Jun 2024
Secular outlook 2024
Our analysis shows the dispersion of returns across domestic equity and bond markets will decline over the next five years. This suggests investors should consider investing across sectoral lines and allocate more of their capital to corporate bonds.
Macroeconomics · 19 Jun 2024
Data centres: embracing the impact of AI
As AI fuels the need for ever more data, we require data centres to store and process all the information securely. Businesses which contribute to the efficiency of data centres will have the upper hand.
Macroeconomics · 04 Jun 2024
Barometer: Staying overweight equities as world economy avoids slowdown
Prospects for the world economy have improved and interest rates are about to fall. That's a positive backdrop for stock markets in the near term.
Macroeconomics · 04 Jun 2024
Biodiversity bonds: the new frontier in fixed income markets
Sovereign, supranational and corporate borrowers are issuing bonds that embed biodiversity protection and restoration goals.
Macroeconomics · 17 May 2024
The risk of staying risk-free
Investors are clinging to cash now that it offers a level of income not seen for more than a decade. But in doing so, they're missing out on much better opportunities.
Macroeconomics · 17 May 2024
Barometer: Stars align for European equities
Economic conditions in Europe are improving while interest rates in the region could soon head lower. This augurs well for European stocks, which we upgrade to overweight.
Macroeconomics · 04 Apr 2024
Private assets – the opportunity to uncover gems in an uncertain world
Private investments have shown a remarkable capacity to deliver appealing returns over the last 20 years and, despite a challenging macroeconomic picture, they still offer the potential for attractive returns over the long term for agile investors who are prepared to lock up their money for several years.
Macroeconomics · 04 Apr 2024
Barometer: A spring in the market's step
Equities should extend their rally as interest rate cuts appear imminent in the US and other developed economies.
Macroeconomics · 07 Mar 2024
Barometer: Tech's profit growth should continue to propel stocks
Robust earnings from the IT sector suggest tech stocks should add to their gains. Japanese equities are also set to extend their rally.
Macroeconomics · 14 Feb 2024
Taking on more duration
With interest rates set to tumble, top-quality bonds of longer duration make sense.
Macroeconomics · 14 Feb 2024
Later and Fewer
We now expect a delayed and a shallower Fed easing cycle.
Macroeconomics · 12 Feb 2024
Barometer: A tactical opportunity emerges in equities
As inflation continues to slow and economic growth remains resilient we upgrade stocks to overweight as part of a tactical move.
Macroeconomics · 01 Feb 2024
Gold rush
Despite the chance of a short-term pull-back, the precious metal still looks attractive on a longer-term basis.
Macroeconomics · 04 Jan 2024
Barometer: Markets getting carried away
Equities and bonds have rallied sharply as a growing number of investors see aggressive monetary easing in 2024. We also believe rates will fall, but not as steeply as markets envisage.
Macroeconomics · 04 Jan 2024
Barometer: Markets getting carried away
Equities and bonds have rallied sharply as a growing number of investors see aggressive monetary easing in 2024. We also believe rates will fall, but not as steeply as markets envisage.
Macroeconomics · 06 Dec 2023
The investment landscape in 2024
US stocks look set to trail European and Swiss equities in a year that will also see bonds gain in response to slower growth.
Macroeconomics · 02 Dec 2023
Swiss economy and government bonds: 2024 outlook
We expect the Swiss economy to remain sluggish next year. Swiss bonds have performed strongly, but we see limited further room for yield compression.
Macroeconomics · 01 Dec 2023
Precious metals: 2024 outlook
Gold prices could rise moderately in 2024, but other precious metals could do better.
Macroeconomics · 30 Nov 2023
Core government bonds: 2024 outlook
We maintain our upbeat stance on US Treasuries and have moved to overweight on core European bonds.
Macroeconomics · 04 Oct 2023
China: big shoes to fill
Strengthening policy support and signs that manufacturing is stabilising point to a moderate recovery over the rest of the year, although China’s longer-term growth potential is weakening.
Macroeconomics · 23 Sep 2023
Bank of Japan, Japanese government bonds and yen
The Japanese monetary tanker is slowly turning.
Macroeconomics · 26 Jun 2023
The end of globalisation?
The process of globalisation is unlikely to end completely, but it is facing increasing challenges. In the next decade, we expect trade frictions to continue to lead to higher inflationary pressure and more financial instability.
Macroeconomics · 21 Jun 2023
Secular outlook 2023
Securing single-digit annual returns from a diversified portfolio could prove an unusually complex task in the next five years, largely because of volatile inflation and more muscular state intervention.
From macroeconomic data to market insights
Our insights focus on identifying the underlying forces behind global growth, inflation trends and policy responses, allowing for a clearer assessment of risks and opportunities across regions and sectors.
Actionable macroeconomic analysis
Reliable macroeconomic data underpin every informed investment decision. By analysing key indicators such as gross domestic product (GDP), inflation, employment trends and central bank policies, our analysts develop a coherent view of the global economy. These insights go beyond observation – they transform complex macroeconomic developments into actionable guidance. By assessing the impact of policy shifts, geopolitical tensions and demographic changes on asset prices and investor behaviour, we provide a forward-looking perspective designed to support resilient and responsible investment strategies.