Metrobank Private Wealth is the bank’s advisory arm that designs and manages investment portfolios for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients.
Notably, Metrobank said wealthy investors are becoming more selective.
“Investors are no longer simply chasing returns, they are being far more selective about how and where capital is deployed,” said Ma. Cristina Gabaldon, Metrobank head of investment management.
“This has led to more differentiated portfolios that reflect both opportunity and caution,” she added.
AI semiconductors, fixed-income exposure
The bank said equities remain the main growth engine for medium-risk portfolios, with many clients using exchange-traded funds to access global and regional markets.
Metrobank highlighted strong interest in Asian stocks, especially semiconductor firms linked to artificial intelligence, because valuations look more compelling than in developed markets.
At the same time, Metrobank said investors are adding targeted fixed-income exposure through active mutual funds to reduce volatility and improve portfolio stability.
The bank said higher minimum wages, softer inflation, and a larger 2026 social services budget give lower-income households more room to spend, indirectly supporting parts of the market.
Metrobank noted rising allocations to gold and silver as strategic hedges against geopolitical risks and currency swings, mostly through exchange-traded funds.
Metrobank observed that younger, digitally savvy ultra-wealthy clients are tactically using cryptocurrencies to complement traditional assets, though exposure remains measured.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
