BlackRock, the asset management giant overseeing over $13 trillion, has released its “2026 Global Outlook” report, spotlighting Vietnam as a standout among emerging markets (EMs), alongside Mexico and Brazil.
Emerging markets enjoyed a robust 2025, with local currency EM bonds leading the charge as inflation cooled, central banks cut rates, and EM currencies strengthened against a weakening USD. BlackRock suggests this phase is nearing its end, as early policy easing and currency appreciation have largely been priced into yields.
The firm now sees opportunities in hard-currency EM bonds and has shifted to overweight this segment. A softer USD, lower U.S. rates, and prudent fiscal and monetary policies have bolstered EM credit fundamentals, evidenced by a wave of sovereign credit upgrades. Yield spreads are at multi-decade lows across regions, supported by limited supply and stronger balance sheets.
“We favor high-yield EM issuers leading this year’s sovereign upgrades,” the report states. BlackRock views these upgrades as a sign of improving credit quality, coupled with attractive yields, forming the basis for its overweight stance. The firm prefers EM bonds over equities, citing their potential for steadier income and better short-term risk pricing.
“Today’s average EM is more resilient, better managed, and increasingly a core portfolio component,” emphasized BlackRock’s Head of EM Bond Research and Portfolio Management.
In equities, BlackRock maintains a neutral short-term view on EM stocks, as global megatrends create opportunities but USD direction remains unclear.
The firm favors selective exposure to technology, AI-related themes, and energy transitions across EMs and China. It also highlights how global supply chain reshuffling benefits nations like Mexico, Brazil, and Vietnam.
Strategically, over a 5+ year horizon, BlackRock’s overweight allocation to Indian equities drives its overall EM equity overweight. India’s young, growing workforce, rapid digitalization, and geopolitical resilience are expected to fuel long-term growth.
Exposing the Human Trafficking Ring Disguised as Massage and Karaoke Services: 21 Young Women Forced to Pour Beer, Sing, and Sold to Multiple Owners
Law enforcement authorities in Lao Cai Province have successfully dismantled a human trafficking ring that exploited minors under 16 years old through forced labor in massage parlors, karaoke bars, and other illicit activities such as beer pouring and card dealing. The operation led to the rescue of 21 children and the arrest of multiple individuals involved in this criminal network.
Latest Honda Vision Scooter Price List for January 2026
In January 2026, the Honda Vision, Vietnam’s beloved “national scooter,” maintained its top position in the market with a stable listed price. However, to actually own this scooter during the Lunar New Year season, buyers faced significant price markups at dealerships, especially for the Standard version.
BlackRock Highlights Vietnam as a Promising Emerging Market
BlackRock, the asset management giant overseeing over $13 trillion, has spotlighted Vietnam as a standout within emerging markets, alongside Mexico and Brazil.
HDBank Successfully Issues $100 Million International Green Bonds
On January 7, 2026, Ho Chi Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank (HDBank, HOSE: HDB) successfully completed the issuance of the second tranche of its international green bonds, totaling $50 million, to the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO) and British International Investment (BII). This milestone marks the official completion of HDBank’s $100 million green bond program in the international market, initiated in 2025.
Vietnam’s Journey Toward Achieving Net-Zero Emissions
Mr. Luong Quang Huy, Head of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Management and Ozone Layer Protection Division at the Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, recently shared insights with *Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy* on Vietnam’s strategic roadmap to fulfill its COP26 pledge of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
