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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 &03181111202631; 16:18 UTC feeds.bloomberg.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 positions toward US investments, reflecting confidence in dollar strength during geopolitical uncertainty.

AI CONFIDENCE

75% High

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

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Euro / US Dollar

EURUSDCurrency

Expected to decline

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

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British Pound / US Dollar

GBPUSDCurrency

Expected to decline

Dollar 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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Gold Futures

GC=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Gold typically strengthens during geopolitical tensions and risk-off sentiment

PRICE HISTORY

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⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

Consider long USD positions (EURUSD short) and defensive equity allocations. Monitor gold and Treasury yields as additional safe-haven indicators; reduce exposure to risk assets until geopolitical tensions stabilize.

KEY SIGNALS

Geopolitical risk premium increasingSafe-haven asset rotation favoring USDPortfolio manager shifting to US exposureMarket volatility described as 'pogo stick' patternMiddle East conflict escalation

SECTORS INVOLVED

Financial ServicesDefensive EquitiesCurrency Markets

Analysis generated on Mar 12, 2026 at 00:49 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 Bloomberg Markets. 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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