Lawrence Tan: Safe-Haven Asset Selection Amid the Shadow of War

Rising geopolitical tensions have once again heightened global market vigilance. With U.S. military intervention in Iranian nuclear facilities sparking broader conflict risks, both gold and crude oil prices have surged, and market risk aversion has quickly intensified. In light of the short-term rally of gold, investors need to reassess their asset allocation strategies. Lawrence Tan believes that at this stage, investors should pay close attention to global developments and identify the underlying medium-term trends and risk logic behind each asset.

Geopolitical Risks and the Gold Appeal

Gold prices have risen sharply amid escalating geopolitical tensions, becoming the preferred safe haven for global capital. Lawrence Tan points out that the latest surge in gold is a direct market reaction to the heightened risk of conflict in the Middle East. Following U.S. military strikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities, concerns have grown over potential retaliatory damage to Middle Eastern energy corridors—a structural risk that further reinforces the role of gold as a safe-haven asset.

Data shows that gold once rose by 0.8%, maintaining high volatility at elevated levels. Lawrence Tan notes that this reflects investor pursuit of the safe-haven function of gold, while also indicating uncertainty about further escalation. With both the U.S. dollar and gold attracting safe-haven flows, capital is gradually shifting away from risk assets toward more conservative allocations.

In the short term, gold may remain supported by geopolitical instability. Accompanied by oil price volatility, rising inflation expectations provide a second layer of support for gold. Lawrence Tan emphasizes that upward movement of gold is not only driven by sudden events, but also by a growing global consensus on the lack of “stability” in markets.

Oil Price Shocks and Allocation Strategies

While gold is in high demand, the surge in crude oil prices is another significant market development. Lawrence Tan notes that oil rally is fueled by expectations that heightened Middle East tensions could disrupt energy infrastructure. Should Iran implement retaliatory measures, the security of the global oil supply chain would be directly impacted.

Lawrence Tan points out that rising oil prices will quickly feed through to end-product prices, disrupting the previously easing inflation trajectory. The bond market may see renewed adjustments, with upward pressure on interest rates returning and further weighing on highly valued growth stocks.

He suggests that investors should focus on building portfolio flexibility. In asset allocation, gold and energy commodities retain their defensive advantages. Against a backdrop of heightened market volatility, allocating to safe-haven assets and sectors with cost-passing capabilities will make portfolios more resilient.

Market Risks and a Prudent Perspective

Confronted with an increasingly complex international landscape and asset volatility, Lawrence Tan asserts that investment strategies must be grounded in hedging logic and risk tolerance. Investors should prioritize prudence, appropriately control positions and manage volatility risks. True opportunities often emerge during the calm correction period following short-term market extremes. Maintaining liquidity, managing emotions, and carefully assessing fundamental changes are the key action principles for this stage.

Looking ahead, the investment market will continue to face significant geopolitical uncertainties, with gold and energy prices remaining core indicators of volatility. Lawrence Tan reminds investors that prudent asset selection and timing from a long-term perspective are fundamental to navigating the current turbulent cycle.