This month we discuss a volatile end to an otherwise strong start to 2026, broad equity gains, extreme swings in precious metals, rising geopolitical tensions from Greenland to Venezuela, and renewed focus on Japan as yields climb.
Anne-Maree O’Brien’s journey began in her family’s first-generation hospitality business, where she was immersed from an early age. Today, through The Scene Series, she brings together leading voices from across the global hospitality industry. She shares the dynamics that underpin successful family enterprises and how her upbringing instilled a deep appreciation for craft, hard work, human connection, and storytelling.
Our research team share their latest outlook for Q1 2026, highlighting how resilient global growth, AI‑driven investment, rising geopolitical tensions and shifting monetary policies are shaping markets. With the US still leading, Europe steady but subdued, Japan reflating, and emerging markets diverging, the landscape is both opportunity‑rich and risk‑sensitive. We explore what this means across asset classes, from selective fixed income positioning to balanced equity exposure and the growing importance of alternatives such as gold.