Negative investor sentiment and susceptibility to the effects of a global downturn make Japanese equities a risky short-term proposition, but valuations, relatively steady economic fundamentals, and strong corporate profits argue for an overweight position on the part of those with the patience to tolerate any potential short- to intermediate-term underperformance.
Benchmark indices for Asian small caps differ significantly, indicating the substantial judgment required of managers in this space.
This report focuses on the listed Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) markets in Asia, especially the larger such markets of Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The discussion also expands to include the smaller markets in Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand, and the larger Asia Pacific region which includes Australia’s LPT market.
Despite the potential for short-term bumps in the road, the Asian growth story remains compelling.
Investors in China-based indices should recognize their new exposure to the big Chinese banks in the aftermath of the banks’ IPOs—and the potential risks inherent in such exposure.
Investors in the Japanese market have enjoyed a good run under the Koizumi Administration but will need to monitor whether Koizumi’s successor continues the reform process.
Hong Kong-listed stocks provide direct and indirect exposure to China. Investors should be aware that mainland Chinese companies play an increasingly prominent role in Hong Kong’s stock exchange but that exchange-tracking indices significantly differ in the degree to which they include Chinese shares.
Asia beckons western investors, its allure predicated on three compelling attractions: Asia beckons western investors, its allure predicated on three compelling attractions: The continued broadening and deepening of relatively immature capital markets whose development will reflect the expansion of most Asian economies at growth rates substantially faster than those of North America and Europe. Reasonable valuations in…
This report suggests that India is among the most attractive regions for venture investing in Southeast Asia, and the software and telecom sectors appear particularly promising. Also included is information on 21 partnerships already invested in Indian venture capital.
Investors should increase their allocations to Asia at the expense of U.S. and/or European equities.