Emerging Markets no longer homogenous


Outstanding returns from emerging markets may be a thing of the past; however investors have not lost faith in this asset class despite its recent poor performance according to Principal Global Investors.
A report released today by the asset manager said investors have become more discerning as economies develop at very different speeds and emerging markets are increasingly considered a tactical investment opportunity.
In forecasting the impact of the emerging and developed markets continued convergence, the report stated emerging markets are no longer seen as a homogenous group and, only those countries embracing a reform agenda are likely to continue to converge with the West, both structurally and financially.
CREATE-Research chief executive Professor Amin Rajan, who authored the report, said market volatility and concern about the political will to aggressively pursue a reform agenda has made investors more wary about their previous 'buy-and-hold’ strategy in emerging market equities.
“As a result, more investors view emerging markets as a tactical play,” Rajan said.
He added neither emerging nor developed markets would return to full health until some root causes of global weakness and uncertainty are addressed, including the tapering of quantitative easing, slow deleveraging in the Euro zone, the “three-arrow” initiative in Japan and the credit explosion in China.
“Reducing debt, strengthening public finances, promoting growth and boosting competitiveness are challenges which Governments across the globe must all find ways of meeting,” he said.
Recommended for you
Selfwealth has provided an update on the status of its scheme implementation deed with Bell Financial Group as well as whether rival bidder Svava remains in the picture.
Magellan Financial Group has reported its first half FY25 results while appointing a new chief financial officer and promoting Sophia Rahmani to chief executive.
Schroders Australia has launched two active ETFs and plans to further expand its listed range over the year ahead.
Platform Netwealth has reported its financial results for the first half of FY25, reporting an 80 per cent increase in net flows, with its CEO viewing a “huge opportunity” from private assets.