Perspectives

The Best of Both Worlds: Can Fundamentals and Systematic Co-exist in the Next Phase?

As systematic investing dominates portfolios, new risks are emerging. Crowding, correlations and factor reversals are reshaping markets — reinforcing the case for a hybrid approach that combines fundamental insight with systematic techniques to deliver more consistent outcomes across cycles.

Inflation and Higher Rates: What They Mean for Infrastructure

Energy-driven inflation and geopolitical risk increase the likelihood of higher-for-longer interest rates, which listed infrastructure has several mechanisms for passing through to earnings.

The Long View: Climbing the Wall

Emerging Markets Strategy Commentary Q1 2026

Geopolitical Uncertainty Slows EM Momentum
We believe short-term retrenchment in emerging markets can lead to a more sustainable return environment and better opportunities for active stock picking.

Global Growth Strategy Commentary Q1 2026

Rate Reversal Rewrites Growth Playbook
Geopolitical shocks stalled global equity momentum, with value holding up much better than growth as inflation risks rose and monetary policy grew hawkish.

Global Value Improvers Strategy Commentary Q1 2026

Global Improvers Power Energy Independence
We see energy security and independence as multi-decade, secular investment themes creating durable opportunities.

Global Infrastructure Income Strategy Commentary Q1 2026

Real Assets, Real Resilience
Supply disruptions across key energy and commodity markets in the Middle East highlight the resilience of infrastructure assets.

Global Infrastructure Value Strategy Commentary Q1 2026

Infrastructure’s Inflation Pass-Through in Focus
Many infrastructure assets operate under regulatory frameworks or long-term contracts that allow inflation and cost increases to be passed through to end users over time.

ESG Investment Commentary Q1 2026

Materiality Drives Stewardship Insights
ClearBridge’s engagement priorities reflect evolving risks and opportunities in decarbonization, climate adaptation, human capital, critical minerals, governance and responsible AI/data governance.

Why Infrastructure Holds up Amid Middle East Inflation Pressures

Utilities in North America and Europe, pipelines and toll roads are positioned to withstand and grow through commodity-driven shocks such as the current Middle East conflict is creating.

Australian Equity Reporting Season Wrap - February 2026

Widening valuation dispersion is creating a more compelling environment for active stock selection — particularly as earnings “moats” are tested and, in some cases, reinforced.

Gulf Conflict Rewrites Energy Outlook