Standard Chartered has identified artificial intelligence-driven earnings growth and rising gold prices as the primary market themes for the second half of 2026.
The bank’s outlook points to sustained momentum in US equities and Asia ex-Japan stocks, underpinned by strong corporate results in the technology sector.
Despite the bullish framing on AI, the lender noted that investors remain concerned about the returns on artificial intelligence investments.
Despite the bullish framing on AI, the lender noted that investors remain concerned about the returns on artificial intelligence investments.
This suggests a shift from indiscriminate capital flows into tech toward a more selective approach, where profitability and clear ROI are scrutinized more closely than in previous quarters.
The bank’s assessment comes as global equity markets entered the second half of the year hovering near all-time highs.
Major indices, including the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average, concluded the first half of 2026 with record-breaking performances, setting a high bar for continued gains.