As inflation stabilizes and interest rates begin to normalize, investors are entering a more selective risk environment in 2026—one that calls for disciplined diversification and a sharper focus on opportunity across both local and global markets.

At its recent Chinese New Year client briefings in Manila and Cebu, Security Bank Wealth brought together over 400 clients with local economists and offshore investment strategists to share timely perspectives on navigating this transition.

Market perspectives for 2026

Discussions highlighted several themes shaping portfolio positioning in the year ahead:

• Easing inflation may support recovery – After moderating in 2025, inflation is expected to return within target, creating room for potential policy support and interest rate cuts that could improve growth prospects in 2026.
• Philippine equities remain selectively attractive – Local equities continue to trade below ASEAN peers and historical averages, presenting long-term opportunities as interest rates ease and earnings growth normalizes.
• Global diversification is increasingly critical – With markets shaped by shifting monetary policy, currency movements, and uneven regional growth, investors may benefit from expanding beyond domestic exposures.
• Fixed income yields offer renewed opportunity – Attractive yields across select global fixed income and alternative investments may allow investors to balance income generation with capital appreciation in a normalized rate environment.

“Markets are transitioning from policy-driven support to fundamentals-driven growth,” said Rene Aguirre, SVP and Wealth Segment Head of Security Bank. “In this environment, disciplined diversification, across geographies and asset classes, will be critical to capturing opportunity while managing risk. Our role is to help clients make informed decisions aligned with their long-term financial goals.”

Security Bank Wealth hosted forums with local and global experts to show appreciation to clients for Chinese New Year. Some of the panelists at the Manila leg included (from L-R): Clara Ng, Vice President, Account Manager for South Asia, PIMCO; Jason Lim, Director, Team Lead, Retail Distribution, Southeast Asia, Allianz Global Investors; Thomas Wu, Market Strategy Analyst, Invesco Ltd.; and Chrissi Morillo, FVP and Investment Strategy Head, Security Bank.

The briefings were attended by Security Bank Chairman Cirilo P. Noel, President and CEO Victor Lee Meng Teck, and EVP and Financial Markets Segment Head Jim Yap—underscoring the Bank’s continued commitment to providing thoughtful, relevant advice to clients amid an evolving investment landscape. The Chinese New Year gatherings form part of Security Bank Wealth’s ongoing engagement program, which includes regular market briefings, portfolio reviews, and investment strategy discussions designed to help clients build, preserve, and grow their wealth over time.

Security Bank Wealth has been recognized by Global Finance as Best Private Bank in the Philippines and by Euromoney as the Philippines’ Best Bank for High Net Worth for five consecutive years.