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Manulife’s Thooft Says Dollar Best Bet Amid ‘Pogo Stick’ Markets

The dollar is the best haven bet as market volatility picks up during the Mideast conflict, according to Nathan Thooft of Manulife Investment Management, who says he’s shifted more of his investments to the US since hostilities erupted.

Mar 11, 2026 &03381111202631; 16:38 UTC financialpost.com Trending 3/5

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Positive for markets

Sentiment score: +65/100

Moderate impact Short-term (days)

WHAT THIS MEANS

Manulife's Nathan Thooft recommends the US dollar as the optimal safe-haven asset amid escalating Middle East tensions and increased market volatility. The strategist has reallocated portfolio exposure toward US investments, reflecting confidence in dollar strength during geopolitical uncertainty.

AI CONFIDENCE

75% High

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

↓

Euro / US Dollar

EURUSDCurrency

Expected to decline

Dollar strength expected as safe-haven demand increases amid Middle East conflict

↓

British Pound / US Dollar

GBPUSDCurrency

Expected to decline

USD appreciation likely to pressure other major currency pairs

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S&P 500

^GSPCIndex

High volatility expected

US equities may experience volatility but benefit from dollar-denominated safe-haven flows

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Euro Stoxx 50

^STOXX50EIndex

Expected to decline

European equities vulnerable to geopolitical risk and euro weakness

PRICE HISTORY

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⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

Consider overweighting USD positions and defensive assets while reducing exposure to risk currencies and volatile equity markets. Monitor geopolitical developments closely as they remain the primary driver of near-term market direction.

KEY SIGNALS

Geopolitical risk premium driving safe-haven demandProfessional portfolio reallocation toward USDMarket volatility spike ('pogo stick' markets) supporting defensive positioningMiddle East conflict escalation as catalyst

SECTORS INVOLVED

Financial ServicesDefensive AssetsCurrency Markets

Analysis generated on Mar 12, 2026 at 00:45 UTC

Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by artificial intelligence for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendation, or solicitation. Original reporting by Financial Post. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Manulife’s Thooft Says Dollar Best Bet Amid ‘Pogo Stick’ Markets

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