In this episode of The Inside Brief with Manus Cranny, Allianz chief economic adviser Mohamed El-Erian shares his insights on monetary policy, market volatility and the challenges facing central banks in a rapidly changing global economy.

Mr El-Erian discusses expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts, arguing that markets continue to respond primarily to economic data rather than political narratives. He dismisses the idea that a change in Fed leadership would automatically result in an aggressive wave of cuts, emphasising that policymakers will deliver only what the data justifies.

Reflecting on the Fed’s policy framework, Mr El-Erian calls for a “major reboot” after what he describes as the central bank’s inflation misjudgment in 2021. He warns that excessive reliance on backward looking indicators risks undermining policy effectiveness and credibility.

The conversation also explores artificial intelligence as a structural economic shift rather than a passing trend, including how the UAE and the broader Gulf region are positioning themselves at the intersection of technology, capital and global competitiveness.

On AI, Mr El-Erian describes himself as “one of the biggest bulls” on its productivity potential, while cautioning that the ultimate economic impact will depend on how companies use the technology. He contrasts an automation-driven mindset focused on labour displacement with a labour-augmenting approach aimed at enhancing worker productivity, arguing that AI’s true power lies in augmentation rather than replacement.

Mr El-Erian reflects on his time as president of Queens’ College, Cambridge, describing it as the most satisfying role of his career. He highlights the privilege of witnessing students from challenging backgrounds fully embrace the opportunity of a Cambridge education and undergo visible personal transformation.

On a personal level, Mr El-Erian discusses the influence of his father, recalling two formative lessons that shaped his worldview: the enduring value of education and the importance of engaging with a broad spectrum of perspectives. He explains how being encouraged from an early age to read widely across different viewpoints helped develop his ability to interpret complex economic and market dynamics.

Asked about regrets, Mr El-Erian says he rues never having had the opportunity to serve as a true policymaker, noting that while he advised decision makers throughout his career, he never directly owned policy decisions.

In this episode of The Inside Brief, Mark Haefele, global chief investment officer at UBS Global Wealth Management, joins host Manus Cranny for a deep dive on how investors should navigate a world shaped increasingly by power, policy, and long term structural forces rather than short term market headlines.

Mr Haefele reflects on the idea that geopolitical shocks often dominate news cycles but tend to have only brief market effects, while slower moving trends such as technology, government spending, and shifts in global power have a far greater influence on long term portfolio outcomes. He explains why investors must focus on how the world actually works today, rather than relying on assumptions rooted in a past era of free markets.

The conversation explores how governments now play a more active role in directing capital and influencing outcomes, effectively picking winners and losers across sectors. Mr Haefele outlines what this means for asset allocation, sovereign debt, and currencies, cautioning investors against assuming that markets will always operate independently of political objectives.

Mr Haefele also addresses the debate around artificial intelligence and whether markets are facing a bubble. He acknowledges that many companies in the AI space do not yet generate profits and rely on continued access to funding, but argues that this alone does not indicate an imminent collapse. In his view, strong earnings from AI adjacent companies, continuing capital investment, and government support suggest the theme still has momentum, even as risks increase and not all participants succeed.

In a personal reflection, Mr Haefele recounts his experience during the events of 9/11 and how witnessing a decisive trading moment reshaped his understanding of his own strengths as an investor. He explains why recognising what you are not good at can be as important as knowing what you are, and why discipline, humility, and asset allocation matter more than trying to catch every market moment.

The episode concludes with insights from Mr Haefele’s book The New Rules of Investing, where he argues that modern investors must rethink diversification, accept uncertainty, and follow the flow of capital shaped by policy, technology, and power rather than nostalgia for past market regimes.

In this special edition of The Inside Brief from Davos 2026, Waleed Al Muhairi, deputy group chief executive of Mubadala, joins host Manus Cranny to discuss how global investors are navigating a world defined by fragmentation rather than chaos.

With more than $375 billion in assets under management, Mubadala sits at the centre of global capital flows and Mr Al Muhairi explains why long-term conviction, rather than market timing, has become the defining advantage for institutional investors.

Mr Al Muhairi explains that Mubadala’s multi-engine investment model allows capital to move purposefully across private equity, private credit, infrastructure and global partnerships, adapting risk exposure without abandoning long-term strategy.

Mr Al Muhairi also shares his highest conviction views as 2026 begins, highlighting continued opportunity in the US alongside growing allocations across Asia, including South Korea and India.

The conversation explores the evolving role of artificial intelligence in investment decision-making. Mr Al Muhairi reveals that Mubadala now has an AI participant named MAIA in its investment committee process, using counterfactual analysis to challenge assumptions and test conviction.

He describes AI as a force multiplier rather than a bubble, arguing that while valuations will fluctuate, innovation and infrastructure behind AI are only just beginning to reshape productivity.

Looking closer to home, Mr Al Muhairi reflects on Abu Dhabi’s growing momentum as a global capital hub. He describes a powerful shift as families, businesses and financial institutions increasingly relocate to the UAE, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of capital, talent and opportunity. As a long-term steward of national capital, he emphasises the responsibility of investing not only for returns, but for the next generation and the continuing growth of the UAE economy.

In this episode of The Inside Brief, chairman and group chief executive of DP World Sultan bin Sulayem sits down with host Manus Cranny to share his views on global trade and shipping at a time of geopolitical shocks, tariff wars and market volatility.

The head of the global ports operator explains why, from his perspective, physical cargo flows are far more resilient than market sentiment, and why global trade continues to grow despite persistent political uncertainty.

Mr bin Sulayem discusses how DP World approaches countries often defined by political risk − including Venezuela, Iran and Syria − by separating headlines from operational reality.

On Venezuela, Mr bin Sulayem says that DP World knows the market well from past operations and could move quickly when conditions allow. On Iran, he argues that even major regional conflicts have historically had limited impact on maritime trade.

Syria is presented as a different case as DP World has already committed $800 million to Tartus port. Mr bin Sulayem describes the country as having strong long-term potential, given its strategic location and access to regional road and rail networks.

He also reflects on his meeting with Syria's President Ahmad Al Shara, describing him as calm, optimistic and a good listener who is eager to learn and is focused on improving conditions in the country.

The conversation ranges across global growth hotspots, including India, Indonesia, Brazil and the UK, where DP World is expanding capacity. Mr bin Sulayem also argues that China’s economic management is often misunderstood in the West, stressing that scale and stability matter more than headline growth rates.

Turning to Dubai, Mr bin Sulayem reflects on the government's investment in roads, Metro expansion, and rail infrastructure such as Etihad Rail, and how the proximity between the port in Jebel Ali and Al Maktoum International Airport is expected to support future trade growth through seamless sea-to-air connectivity.

Mr bin Sulayem concludes by sharing personal insights into what success means to him, his approach to succession planning and leadership and how a life-threatening horse riding accident − in which he was saved by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai − reshaped his views on time, efficiency and decision making.

In this re-run episode of The Inside Brief, Manus Cranny revisits a candid and often humorous conversation with Anthony Scaramucci, financier, media personality, and former White House communications director. Scaramucci speaks openly about how power really works, how reputations are built and damaged on the world stage, and why credibility matters to investors, allies, and institutions alike.

In this special edition of The Inside Brief recorded live on stage at the Abu Dhabi Finance Week, host Manus Cranny sits down with Dmitry Balyasny, managing partner and chief investment officer Balyasny Asset Management, which oversees more than $30 billion across multi-strategy portfolios.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Mr Balyasny discusses why his firm is expanding in Abu Dhabi and what makes it an emerging global financial centre. He also explained how technology, AI and collaboration are reshaping the future of asset management.

Mr Balyasny breaks down how his team has built 2,000 AI agents running 5,000 daily tasks, transforming productivity. He explains why AI will not replace human judgment, but will redefine how markets are analysed and decisions are made.

The conversation covers Abu Dhabi’s rise as a global financial centre, the next generation of traders and how Mr Balyasny’s team selects talent from 30,000 applicants each year. It also explores the outlook for markets in 2026, and the biggest tail risks ahead for investors.

The Inside Brief with Manus Cranny is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other major platforms.

In this episode of The Inside Brief, Manus Cranny sits down with Helima Croft, RBC Capital Markets' managing director and global head of commodity strategy, and a former CIA economic analyst, for a rare, deeply informed conversation on geopolitics, oil markets and leadership.

Ms Croft decodes the Opec+ pause and Saudi oil strategy, offering a grounded forecast for 2026 oil prices under different policy paths, and explores what renewed attention on Venezuela, Guyana and US shale could mean for global supply.

She assesses the tightening grip of US sanctions on Russian exports, the shifting stance on Ukrainian strikes and the complex endgame Russia's President Vladimir Putin may seek in Europe.

Reflecting on her time at the CIA, Ms Croft reveals what she learnt from briefing US presidents and how analytic discipline shapes her scenario work on Wall Street.

The conversation also explores the realities of balancing high-pressure careers with family while mentoring the next generation.

In this episode of The Inside Brief, Manus Cranny sits down at Emirates headquarters with company president Sir Tim Clark for a candid conversation about growth, negotiation, and the future of global aviation.

Sir Tim traces Emirates from its 1985 regional beginnings to a 270-aircraft super-connector that now contributes meaningfully to Dubai’s economy and identity.

The conversation turns to supply constraints and the delayed Boeing 777x. Sir Tim says Emirates had planned to take delivery of the new aircraft this year, but now faces uncertainty that will run into 2027.

He also reflects on the enduring value of the A380 and laments a cooler appetite among manufacturers and boards for bold, large-gauge innovation, citing two decades of industry trauma and risk aversion.

On demand and pricing, Sir Clark discusses the structural shift that has taken place since the pandemic, with higher yields and travellers flying more often.

The episode closes on leadership. Giving his advice on the art of negotiating, he says: “Prepare thoroughly, anticipate the other side’s position, stay calm, be firm and fair, and always cut through the froth to the real issues.”

Asked about his legacy, Sir Clark says he wants the next generation of Emirates leaders to inherit a clear path for the next 15 to 20 years, with fleets, networks, products and the new hub laid out. He would urge them to stay focused on the model that made the company successful.

The Inside Brief with Manus Cranny is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other major platforms.