Insights & Intelligence
Trends, thought leadership, and dealmaking perspectives across Asia’s private markets. Expert commentary, data-driven research, and strategic investor viewpoints.
Published Insights
Perspectives from the deal desk.
Commentary by Chaminda Ranatunga, published on e27, on AI, capital, and the changing shape of business across Asia.
Market access, redrawn: Why Southeast Asia is becoming the world’s strategic advantage
Why Southeast Asia is emerging as the world’s strategic advantage for market access, and what that shift means for companies and investors.
Read on e27 →AI agents are entering investment banking, but is the industry ready?
AI agents are accelerating investment banking workflows, but human judgment and governance remain critical in high-stakes decisions.
Read on e27 →Security, trust, and the future of finance in an AI-driven world
Cybersecurity and AI governance are becoming central to trust, stability, and long-term growth in fintech and digital finance.
Read on e27 →The future of AI for SMEs in South Asia
What practical AI adoption looks like for small and medium enterprises across South Asia.
Read on e27 →Why investors are betting big on Asia’s social impact startups
Asian startups combining tech innovation with measurable social impact are attracting capital by aligning profit with purpose.
Read on e27 →Leading through the AI shift: why culture and people still matter
Why culture, people and leadership remain decisive as organisations navigate the shift to AI.
Read on e27 →Slow, steady, sustainable: Southeast Asia’s bootstrapping movement
Southeast Asia’s bootstrapping movement and the case for steady, sustainable company building.
Read on e27 →US tariffs disrupt global trade, forcing a rethink in Southeast Asia
How shifting US tariff policy is disrupting global trade and forcing a strategic rethink across Southeast Asia.
Read on e27 →Archive
Earlier market commentary. Figures and market conditions referenced below were current at the date of publication.
Global Macro Update: Trade Tensions and Fed Uncertainty Continue to Drive Markets
25 July 2025
Global markets remain focused on US trade negotiations and the potential for monetary easing, as escalating tariffs and central bank independence concerns cloud the economic outlook.
US Trade Pressures and Fed Probe
The Trump administration has intensified pressure on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, launching a high-profile probe into a USD 2.5bn refurbishment project at the Federal Reserve Headquarters. Markets view this move with suspicion, raising concerns about potential political interference in the Fed’s operations.
At the same time, US trade talks are approaching a key 1 August deadline. Negotiations with Japan have shown encouraging progress, but discussions with Indonesia and the Philippines remain unsettled. Market participants now expect a 15% tariff deadlock between the US and EU unless common ground is reached. Reports indicate the European Union is prepared to hit USD 17bn worth of US goods with 30% tariffs if a resolution is not achieved.
Asia Faces Mixed Signals
In Asia, Taiwan’s economy remains vulnerable as reciprocal tariffs and semiconductor sector weakness weigh on growth and inflation. Malaysia’s central bank cut its Overnight Policy Rate by 25 basis points to 2.75% and signaled further easing by year-end, in a bid to support the economy against external tariff shocks.
Labour Market Softness Adds Complexity
While the US economy is growing at a rate of over 2%, labour market indicators show signs of cooling. Jobless claims have trended lower, but private sector hiring remains on the softer side, and wage growth has slowed. The market is closely watching July payroll data, with consensus estimates for a drop to 118k from 147k in June.
Investor Implications
Sticky inflation in the 2.5–3% range combined with weaker labour market data could force the Fed to act more decisively. Market consensus is building for two rate cuts in the second half of 2025 if economic data confirms this softening trend.
For Asia, the combination of tariff uncertainty and monetary easing is expected to influence capital flows and deal momentum for the remainder of the year. Investors should watch central bank signals in Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan, as well as any breakthroughs in US trade negotiations, which remain the dominant driver of global risk sentiment.
DealBookAsia Insight
Trade policy and central bank independence are emerging as key market themes heading into August. Investors should prioritize resilient, cash-flow-driven assets and maintain diversified exposure across geographies as volatility remains elevated.
Liquidity Meets Strategy: Private Capital Reshapes Amid Global Shifts
• LPs borrow against PE stakes
• KKR & Capital Group deploy new funds
• TWG commits $2.5B to Mubadala
• Sri Lanka recovery gains traction
• Tariff shocks ripple across Asia
Strategy Reset: Private Markets Navigate Crosscurrents
• EQT closes $10.3B Asia fund
• Focus on AI, healthcare, energy
• Secondaries reshape exits
• Inflation cools in Singapore
• Structure-led strategies dominate
April Market Signals: Tariffs, Capital Pivots & Defensive PE Moves
• Tariffs shake U.S.–China flows
• Endowment tax changes
• GPs reprice risk
• Defensive VC and PE
• Rise of structured equity
Tariffs & Private Equity in Asia
Trade tensions are reshaping Asia’s investment climate. PE firms rethink exits, sectors, and strategy in response to rising tariffs.
Asia Private Capital: Mid-Year Outlook
Capital flow trends and strategy shifts from LPs and GPs across the region as 2025 unfolds.
🔗 View on LinkedInRethinking Exits in Asian PE
Private equity firms explore secondaries, roll-ups, and revenue-share deals to unlock liquidity in uncertain markets.
🔗 View on LinkedInESG in Action: What LPs Expect in 2025
Institutional investors raise the bar on transparency, climate metrics, and long-term stakeholder alignment.
🔗 View on LinkedIn
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