Top of main content

Torsten Slok and Willem Sels

Think Wealth CIO Exchange
Alternatives
Think Wealth
Bonds
cio exchange
AI

The AI productivity lift-off and opportunities in alternative assets

Sep 24, 2026

Different opinions 'make a market' and enrich the debate. A firm that lends to and owns companies directly sees them from the inside — their margins, their financing costs, their operating decisions — and that view often surfaces well before it reaches the macro data.

For this episode, we're delighted to sit down with Torsten Slok, Partner, Chief Economist at Apollo Global Management. Our discussion compares what we see in the macro data and in Apollo’s direct investments, and the key observations from public and private markets. 

Are we already seeing real world productivity gains or will higher borrowing costs or disappointing returns halt the investment? And with market leadership evolving, how should investors think about diversification and the role of alternatives in portfolios?

The accompanying CIO Exchange report is available exclusively to HSBC clients. If you’re interested, please reach out to your HSBC Relationship Manager or Investment Counsellor.

CIO Exchange with Torsten Slok and Willem Sels Watch the video: Torsten Slok and Willem Sels

In this video, Willem Sels, our Global CIO, and Torsten Slok, Partner and Chief Economist at Apollo Global Management, get together to debate and discuss on:

  • Is AI productivity gain keeping up with the investment boom
  • Will higher yields tighten credit conditions and curb risk appetite
  • How do alternatives fit in today’s portfolios
  • If the US builds AI, where do the next leg of global gains come from

This is a marketing communication from HSBC Private Bank, which is the main private bank business within the HSBC Group. Private banking services are delivered by various HSBC companies around the world, depending on local laws and regulations. The services described in this document may be provided by different HSBC entities, and members of the HSBC Group may also trade in the products mentioned here.

 

This document is not independent investment research under the European Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (‘MiFID’) or other relevant regulations and is not subject to restrictions on dealing ahead of its distribution. This means HSBC and its staff may have an interest in the products or services mentioned before this document is shared with you.

 

The information in this document is for general information only and is intended for HSBC Private Bank clients. It does not constitute, and should not be construed as, legal, tax or investment advice, or a solicitation, offer, or recommendation to buy or sell any financial products or services.

 

Some HSBC offices may act only as representatives of HSBC Private Bank and are not permitted to sell products, provide services, or offer advice to customers. Not all products or services are available in all jurisdictions. For a complete list of HSBC Private Bank entities and their regulatory status, please visit our HSBC Private Bank website.

 

Before proceeding, please refer to the full long macro disclaimer and the Terms and Conditions available at HSBC Private Bank website which provide further important information about the use of this material.

 

© Copyright HSBC. All rights reserved.

Listening to what you have to say about services matters to us. It's easy to share your ideas, stay informed and join the conversation.