On February 16, 2026, Standard Chartered Pakistan hosted its Market Outlook 2026 event in Karachi, focusing on local and global economic trends. Saadya Riaz, Head of Wealth & Retail Banking, emphasized the necessity of informed asset allocation, stating, "As global dynamics evolve, and Pakistan’s economic fundamentals strengthen, informed asset allocation and disciplined strategy become even more critical." The event highlighted the strong demand for gold, driven by geopolitical tensions and a weakening US dollar, with Manpreet Gill, Chief Investment Officer, noting that the US interest rates are trending lower, which could favor emerging market assets. The panel included experts from various financial institutions, discussing macroeconomic outlooks and wealth planning strategies.