What are the key themes driving Asia in 2026?

We are pleased to present A Guide to Investing in Asia for 2Q26. This thematic publication is designed to help investors navigate the region’s evolving opportunities and risks at a time when trade reconfiguration and the AI buildout are reshaping supply chains, corporate investment and market leadership across Asia.

The region continues to capture investors’ attention, with EM Asia equities delivering nearly 16% returns year-to-date. Asia sits at the center of the global AI value chain. It is a key hub for advanced semiconductors production and hardware exports and a major beneficiary of the rising capital expenditure by global tech companies, particularly in AI infrastructure and compute capacity. Furthermore, ongoing corporate reforms across the region are providing additional momentum.

At the same time, the global geopolitical landscape continues to evolve and remains uncertain. Tariffs remain elevated, pushing global supply chains to adapt. In addition, this year, the Iran War is disrupting the most important energy chokepoint, elevating prices and adding pressure on energy import-reliant Asian economies.

This quarter’s slide collection brings these themes to life, with a deeper dive into China, India and Japan and a practical look at Asia equity market structure and leadership themes, highlighting how they are shaping market performance and creating new opportunities for investors.