The Investment Compass Points Due East: Asia’s Appeal to Emerging Markets Equity Investors
Valuations, fundamentals, and a more appealing macro picture make tilting emerging markets equity exposure toward Asia a sensible proposition.
Emerging/Frontier
US Manager Universe Statistics: First Quarter 2015
This chart book presents representative marketable and hedge fund manager performance for first quarter 2015. The median Global ex US Small-Cap Equity manager posted the highest return (5.9%) for the quarter; the median manager in this asset class returned -1.6% for the one-year period ending March 31, 2015. The median US REIT manager posted the highest…
What’s Behind the Recent Rally in Chinese Equities?
Chinese equities have captured headlines recently, with trading volumes surging in Hong Kong and the MSCI China Index (which tracks the performance of Chinese companies listed in Hong Kong) rising 14% over four trading days (April 8–13). The catalyst was a decision in late March by mainland Chinese regulators to allow domestic mutual funds to…
India: Can the Bull Market Continue?
Over the past two years, India has come full circle, moving from a member of the so-called Fragile Five economies with poor macro fundamentals to one of the few emerging markets with a positive macro story. India was among the best-performing equity markets in 2014, returning 24% in US$ terms, compared to -1.8% for emerging…
Could Negotiations Between Greece and Its Eurozone Creditors Break Down and Cause More Volatility for Related Assets?
Talks between Greece and its Eurozone creditors to extend its bailout may again break down and thus trigger more volatility for local assets, but the potential for contagion to other asset markets is contained for several reasons. All involved parties have strong incentives to eventually reach an agreement. Even if they can’t, the fact that…
US Manager Universe Statistics: Fourth Quarter and Calendar Year 2014
This chart book presents representative marketable and hedge fund manager performance for fourth quarter and calendar year 2014. US Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) managers posted the largest median returns for the fourth quarter (14.2%) and the one-year period ending December 31, 2014 (31.2%).
Is the Decline in Commodity Prices a Negative for Emerging Markets?
No, the fall is a net benefit. Falling commodity prices create more divergent emerging markets conditions, generally benefitting net commodity consumers at the expense of net commodity producers. Among emerging markets, net commodity importers are largely Asian, while exporters are more concentrated in Europe, Latin America, South Africa, and the Middle East. Historical relationships between…
China: Prepare for Stress
Investors should be prepared for increasing stress in China that will impact global markets and create opportunities There are several valid reasons why China may avoid a financial crisis or hard landing given the unique characteristics of the Chinese economy. However, investors should not be complacent. Our view is that the Chinese economy will slow…
Chinese Equities: A Question of Timing
Increasing exposure to Chinese equities today requires a long time horizon, or a willingness to be tactical amid what will be a difficult few years A case can be made that Chinese equities are attractive today based on low valuations and may rally strongly if policymakers apply additional stimulus to support the slowing economy. However,…
Emerging Markets Debt: Only Compelling on a Relative Basis
Most emerging markets debt assets are not priced to achieve investors’ objectives Over the last decade EM currencies have appreciated significantly against the US dollar in real terms and seem unlikely to generate attractive returns going forward given limited carry. Local currency EM sovereign bonds have attractive nominal yields, but real yields, which drive returns,…