IMAS Survey of Singapore Fund Managers: Brace for Volatility and Eye Asia

An IMAS survey of Singapore fund managers suggests the industry is entering 2026 expecting persistent volatility, while looking for selective opportunities in Asia as rate cuts and wider adoption of artificial intelligence reshape portfolio construction.

The Investment Management Association of Singapore said about 69% of respondents expect the U.S. Federal Reserve to cut rates by more than 0.5 percentage point by year-end, while 60% worry political pressure could increasingly influence central bank decisions.

Japan and China were cited as top potential outperformers, followed by India, with optimism on China driven more by valuations and targeted policy support than faster growth.

Nearly 90% expect Singapore’s Straits Times Index to strengthen or hold steady, and many see gold rising or stable as a hedge.