Global Market: Standard Chartered bullish on Asia ex-Japan equities, sees strong AI-led growth

Standard Chartered expects Asia ex-Japan equities to deliver the strongest earnings growth among major global markets in 2026 and 2027, driven by AI-related spending and semiconductor strength. The bank favours Taiwan and China within the region, followed by India, citing resilient domestic economic growth. The bank also projects the S&P 500 to reach 7,950 and gold to climb to $5,100 per ounce by mid-2027, while expecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to resume within weeks.