Weaker Dollar Forecasted for H2 2026, Boosting Emerging Markets

Manpreet Gill, Chief Investment Officer for Africa, Middle East and Europe (AME), recently discussed Standard Chartered's outlook on global markets. According to Gill, the first half of 2026 reinforced the importance of staying disciplined through periods of uncertainty.

The bank has been constructive on the global investment outlook, favoring global equities due to resilient corporate earnings growth. This trend is expected to continue in the second half of 2026.

Gill also emphasized the benefits of a weaker US dollar for emerging markets like Nigeria. A decrease in the dollar's value would create a more supportive environment for the naira, improve investor appetite for emerging market assets, and help moderate inflation by lowering import costs.