TISCO Warns of Rising Stagflation Risks in H2 2026, Recommends Diversified Portfolios with Focus on Energy, AI & Robotics, and High-Dividend Stocks
TISCO Financial Group has warned that the global economy is entering a period of increasing friction in the second half of 2026, with rising inflation, weakening consumer spending, and prolonged geopolitical tensions heightening the risk of stagflation.
Mr. Paiboon Nalinthrangkurn, Chief Executive Officer of TISCO Securities Company Limited, said the global economy has proven more resilient than many had expected despite uncertainties surrounding trade conflicts and tensions in the Middle East. However, these risks continue to weigh on global trade, investment, and business confidence, particularly in export-oriented economies such as Thailand.
Thailand's economy is expected to grow below its potential, with GDP expansion projected at less than 2% this year and next. Nevertheless, private investment and foreign direct investment (FDI) remain key drivers supporting future growth.
Mr. Komsorn Prakobphol, Head of Economic Strategy Unit at TISCO, noted that the world is increasingly facing a "slow-growth, high-cost" environment, reviving concerns over stagflation.
According to TISCO, three major factors are contributing to the risks: persistently elevated energy prices, fragile global supply chains amid trade protectionism, and continued spending on AI-related technologies, which together are pushing inflation higher while economic growth slows.
Despite the challenging backdrop, the U.S. equity market has remained resilient, supported by stronger-than-expected corporate earnings. However, investors should continue to monitor risks from potential oil price shocks, elevated bond yields, and prolonged stagflationary pressures.
TISCO recommends investors diversify across asset classes and increase exposure to energy and materials sectors, while reducing weight in long-duration technology stocks that are highly sensitive to interest rates.
Meanwhile, TISCO Asset Management believes long-term opportunities remain attractive in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, emphasizing that the current AI cycle differs significantly from the dot-com era due to stronger earnings fundamentals and broader commercial adoption.
Under the theme "When the World Shocks, We Shouldn't,"
TISCO Asset Management recommends a flexible investment strategy centered on Multi-Asset portfolios, complemented by thematic investments in AI, Robotics, and high-dividend Thai equities.
Highlighted funds include:
• TISCO Global Smart Allocation Fund (TGSMART)
• TISCO AI & Big Data Fund (TISCOAI)
• TISCO Robotics Fund (TROBOTICS)
• TISCO High Dividend Equity Fund (TISCOHD-A)
TISCO stressed that periods of stagflation should not deter investors from staying invested, but rather encourage portfolio adjustments to align with a new macroeconomic environment.