Wealthy investors identify the main threat to the global economy — a Deutsche Bank survey

Rising interest rates and bond yields are the main threat to the global economy—that is how 37% of high-net-worth individual investors and family offices surveyed by Deutsche Bank assessed the situation, according to Reuters. Inflation was cited as the second-biggest threat by 23% of respondents, while risks associated with the development of AI were cited by 17%.

In September, a similar survey by Citigroup painted a different picture: accelerating inflation surpassed trade wars and import tariffs to top the list of major risks, while changes in interest rates ranked second.

The survey was conducted as part of the Deutsche Bank Emerging Markets Family Office Forum 2026 in Singapore. An overwhelming majority of respondents—73%—stated that Asia would be the most stable region from a geopolitical perspective over the next 12 months. The U.S. received 14% of the votes, the U.K. and Europe each received 6%, Latin America received 4%, and the Middle East received 2%.

“Family offices are seeking stability, risk-mitigation strategies, and global connectivity, and Singapore has emerged as a clear favorite as a global wealth management hub in this changing world,” said Mark Pagliara, head of emerging markets at Deutsche Bank Private Bank.

This article was AI-translated and verified by a human editor