Standard Chartered’s Market Outlook event offers key insights on local and global economic trends

Standard Chartered held a Market Outlook event, “Navigating Market Trends & Investment Opportunities” in Karachi. This was the third session in a series of market outlook events that the Bank hosts for its clients throughout the year. The event brought together the Bank’s Affluent clients, leading economists, and experts from its product partners to discuss the prevailing global and local economic landscape, and share insights on the future of financial markets.

Saadya Riaz, Head, Wealth & Retail Banking, Standard Chartered Pakistan gave the keynote address stating, “We are committed to providing our Affluent clients with actionable insights into the current economic landscape, enabling them to identify and seize opportunities in today’s markets in light of macro developments. By offering expert perspectives on key trends such as global monetary policies, local economic developments, we hope to equip our clients with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about their wealth portfolios.”

The panel comprised Manpreet Gill, Chief Investment Officer, AMEE, Farooq Pasha, Country Economist, and Kailash Kumar, Executive Director Wealth Solutions, Deposits & Secured, Asif Ali Qureshi, CEO, UBL Fund Managers, and Muhammad Asim, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, MCB Funds.

The discussion moderated by Murtaza Hasan, CFA, Head of Investment Advisory, Standard Chartered Pakistan, shed light on the macroeconomic outlook against the backdrop of global developments, wealth planning through efficient and diversified solutions and the need for protection solutions in client portfolios.

Manpreet Gill who joined the talk virtually, highlighted the potential impact of the global monetary policy easing cycle and potential growth opportunities for investors.

Farooq Pasha commented, “Pakistan’s economic outlook has improved since the start of FY25 (year starting July 2024), with economic momentum picking up after the elections and the completion of the USD 3bn IMF SBA facility in the first half of the year. In FY24, the economy saw significant improvement in growth, inflation and deficits compared to the crisis in FY23.

We expect further stabilization in FY25, with growth projected to rise 3.0% (from 2.4% in FY24) and inflation to ease to 12.5% (from 23.4% in FY24). However, risks to this outlook could arise if there’s a shift away from the current prudent policies, increased political instability, or delays in expected foreign currency inflows.”

Standard Chartered looks forward to organizing more such events for its clients.