Global macroeconomic strategy

Cross-border research driving informed investment solutions

Global macroeconomic strategy research

We believe that global, cross-asset macro research is a pillar of informed investment decisions. The team analyzes and interprets global economic and financial data, using that insight to drive investment solutions.

  • U.S. economic outlook 

    Recessions are more than just a number: an investment framework

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  • Asset Allocation Views

    Our strategic asset allocation views

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  • Three-minute macro

    3 charts. 3 minutes. Lots of insight.

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  • Market commentaries and white papers 

    In depth views on the topics that matter to everyday investors

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Get to know the global macroeconomic strategy team

The global macroeconomic strategy team conducts financial market analysis that drives asset allocation decisions within the wider multi-asset solutions team’s multibillion dollar portfolio. The team’s economic forecasts support investment decisions across Manulife Investment Management. Team members' local presence and global expertise provides valuable, real-world insight that helps investors of all sizes make informed investment decisions.

Frances Donald

Global Chief Economist and Strategist, Manulife Investment Management

Frances forecasts global macroeconomic and financial trends, analyzes the economy and capital markets for potential opportunities and risks, and serves as a thought leader both within the firm and externally. As a senior member of the asset allocation team, she coordinates global macro research, assists in the team’s return forecasts, and contributes to portfolio positioning views.

Prior to joining Manulife, Frances worked as a financial economist for Scotiabank in Toronto and, before that, as a global macro analyst for Pavilion Global Markets in Montreal. Earlier in her career, she held various positions at Deloitte, Roubini Global Economics, and Bank of Canada. She’s a frequent public speaker and regularly appears in international media, including Bloomberg and CNBC.

Education: M.A., Economics, New York University; B.A., Economics, Queen’s University

Joined the company: 2016

Began career: 2008

Alex Grassino, BA, MSc

Head of Macro Strategy, North America, Manulife Investment Management

Alex provides global macroeconomic and financial markets research for the multi-asset solutions team and helps implement the tactical asset mix overlay for selected Canadian balanced fund mandates. He joined the firm when Standard Life's Canadian operations were acquired by Manulife in January 2015. Prior to joining Standard Life Investments in 2012, Alex worked as an equity research analyst and as a financial markets economist at Laurentian Bank Securities.

Education: B.A., Economics and History, McGill University; M.Sc., Financial Services Management, University of Surrey

Joined Company: 2015

Began Career: 2001

Dominique Lapointe, CFA

Global Macro Strategist

Dominique provides global macroeconomic and financial market research for the multi-asset solutions team. Additionally, he develops investment strategies across asset classes and regions. Prior to joining the firm, Dominique was at Laurentian Bank Securities, where he served as a senior economist, and before that, he was a senior analyst with the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy at University of Ottawa. He also worked at BCA Research as a research analyst. Dominique holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

Education: B.S., Economics, Université du Québec à Montréal; M.A., Economics, Queen’s University

Joined the company: 2022

Began career: 2013

Erica Camilleri

Senior Analyst, Global Macro Strategy, Multi-Asset Solutions Team, Manulife Investment Management

Erica works alongside portfolio managers and strategists on the firm’s multi-asset solutions team to assist in strategic and tactical investment decisions. She joined the team as part of a rotational program, after having completed previous rotations on the asset allocation, public equity, and global macroeconomic strategy teams. Prior to joining the firm, she worked at KPMG.

Education: B.A., University of Western Ontario

Joined the company: 2019

Began career: 2019