Markets 3h

Public Markets

Asian Currency Markets

India's rupee rebounded sharply after hitting a record low as the central bank stepped in to defend the currency. The currency advanced the most in Asia on Thursday following aggressive intervention to stabilize the falling rupee.

Commodity Markets

Iron ore rose as Beijing vowed measures to support the steel sector and set a widely anticipated economic growth target. The commodity gained on renewed pledges to tackle overcapacity in China's world-leading steel sector while gold prices climbed on Middle East conflict and a softer US dollar.

Regional Market Dynamics

Asian equities rebounded as risk appetite improved following strong US economic data released overnight. The market recovery came as traders bought protection against fresh uncertainty from the Middle East conflict, with the fear index showing investors bracing for more selling in Indian shares.

Energy Sector Developments

China's government told the country's largest oil refiners to suspend exports of diesel and gasoline as an escalating conflict in the Persian Gulf disrupts crude arrivals. The export suspension affects one of the world's largest energy markets while South Korea and Taiwan appear particularly exposed to rising LNG prices according to MUFG Bank.

China Economic Policy

China set a 2026 GDP target of 4.5%-5% and outlined stimulus plans while vowing to tackle the property crunch with city-specific policies. The modest growth targets reflect a desire to boost domestic demand while limiting fiscal support to specific sectors, with officials pledging to stabilize the real estate sector at a crucial political meeting.

Corporate Developments

Robinhood launched a new platinum credit card aimed at wealthy customers as the trading platform expands beyond its core retail brokerage business. Meanwhile, Chinese traditional businesses are trying to buy into the AI boom, with ham producers and real-estate companies pouring millions into semiconductor companies.

Geopolitical Tensions

Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. CEO Sultan Al Jaber will meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo as the war in the Middle East chokes energy flows to Asia. The meeting comes as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said "one can never categorically rule out" participation in military action resulting from the war in Iran.

Private Credit Sector

Goldman Sachs Asset Management said the private credit sector remains resilient with few borrowers struggling to meet loan payments. The firm's co-head of private credit emphasized that fundamentals remain strong despite broader market uncertainty, with non-payment rates staying low across the sector.

Private Equity

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Sector Investment

EV Charging Infrastructure

Investors are adapting strategies around EV charging investments as global rollouts face speed bumps. The sector's evolving landscape requires careful navigation of infrastructure challenges.

Transport Resilience

Despite pandemic volatility and supply chain disruptions, transport shows resilience. Air cargo operators scrambled to re-route before last year's tariffs, while road haulage continues to adapt.

Rail Technology Upgrades

Freight rail digitisation is gaining momentum through technology-driven upgrades. Strong fundamentals combined with electrification are making an impact on this traditional sector.

Port Investment Opportunities

Port investors are reassessing relative value amid deglobalisation signs. The reconfiguration of global trade creates new opportunities despite market uncertainty.

Transport Infrastructure Evolution

Climate volatility and cyber threats are redefining transport infrastructure investment. Investors move beyond risk mitigation to unlock resilience dividends for transport assets.

Aviation Asset Recovery

Aviation assets have shown resilience since the pandemic. The sector has become a favorite for infrastructure investors seeking stable returns.