On Investors’ Minds - APAC Edition

Stephanie Aliaga, Global Market Strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management who studies AI’s market impacts. She traces her AI research origins and discusses which sectors face disruption. She covers rapid advances in agentic AI and model specialization. She explains why many leading AI firms stay private and outlines broad portfolio positioning and practical AI adoption tips.

A deep dive into how the US‑Iran conflict could keep oil and energy prices high. Discussion of shipping bottlenecks through the Strait of Hormuz and damage to Gulf production. Comparison of 2022 and 2026 inflation and central bank positioning. Risks to tech, manufacturing and LNG supplies are explored alongside shifts toward renewables and portfolio positioning ideas.

An update on the Fed holding rates and the committee’s shifting rate path. Discussion of geopolitical tension in the Middle East and its impact on oil and supply risks. Market moves in yields, equities, the dollar and gold. Comparison of current energy shock dynamics with 2022 and investment ideas across alternatives, income and pro-growth positioning.

Brian Coleman, Co-Head of Investments in Private Credit Solutions at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, brings deep experience in credit investing and direct lending. He explains private credit's rise after bank retrenchment. The conversation tackles capital flows and spread pressure, asset-backed finance as an alternative, software loan and AI risks, and where distressed or special situations can add value.

Marcella Chow, a global market strategist focused on trade routes and energy chokepoints, and Raisah Rasid, a macro strategist tracking geopolitical risks and Asia’s energy exposure, discuss the U.S.-Iran conflict. They cover oil price moves and futures signals. They explain why the Strait of Hormuz matters and Asia’s reserve and supply responses. They review market reactions and portfolio diversification considerations.

Kerry Craig, Senior Global Market Strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, gives concise market and geopolitical analysis. He covers the U.S.-Iran conflict timeline and escalation risks. He explains impacts on the Strait of Hormuz, shipping flows and which parts of the energy market saw volatility. He also discusses safe-haven moves, yield and currency dynamics, and portfolio hedging options.

In this 136th episode of the On Investors' Minds - APAC Edition podcast, Tai Hui provides an initial assessment of the impact post the U.S. and Israel air strikes on Iran (and its retaliatory actions) during the weekend of February 28th.  What people and leadership changes have occurred?  Has there be any impact to energy prices and the overall energy markets so far?  Which equity sectors are expected to be impacted by this weekend's developments and which sectors could experience positive momentum?  Listen now to Tai to get up to date and find out what this all means for investors. The J.P. Morgan Guide to the Markets illustrates a comprehensive array of market and economic histories, trends and statistics through clear charts and graphs. Download the 1st quarter 2026 Guide to the Markets - Asia from the J.P. Morgan website (https://am.jpmorgan.com/en/asset-management/institutional/insights/market-insights/guide-to-the-markets/?utm_campaign=-en--podcastEP136).   For 10 years, the Market Insights program has been on the ground across the Asia Pacific region engaging with clients, and providing guidance on the complex global markets. Listen now and don't forget to subscribe to stay updated on future episodes of On Investors' Minds - APAC Edition. For more analysis on the financial markets, visit the J.P. Morgan Asset Management website at https://am.jpmorgan.com.

Kyle Williams, a London-based portfolio manager specializing in global value equity investing, discusses why value may be poised to outperform. He contrasts pricey US tech with cheaper international markets. He explores value opportunities across regions, along the AI supply chain, and how global value can diversify concentrated growth exposures.

A concise rundown of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down broad reciprocal and fentanyl-targeted tariffs. Clear breakdown of which tariffs still stand and what new investigations could cover. Discussion of legal questions around potential refunds and the possible $170 billion impact. Quick recap of market moves, inflation and profit implications, and which trade partners may gain or lose.

Stephanie Aliaga, a New York–based global market strategist focused on AI and market implications. She discusses tech volatility and divergence among hyperscalers. She explains why hyperscalers are ramping CapEx for AI and how capacity limits revenue. She explores which software and sectors may be exposed or resilient and Asia’s role in the AI supply chain.