SHARE THIS The Federal Reserve’s 50 bps rate cut demonstrated the power of financial markets at present. As the markets had already priced in a significant probability of a 50 bps reduction, the Fed could have viewed such conditions as a good time to...
SHARE THIS Japan’s long history of undercompensating equity investors, a legacy of deflation, is coming to an end with its risk premium now achieving parity with that of the US. This historic shift is being driven by rising dividend payouts ratios,...
SHARE THIS In a move that reflected their disapproval of Japan's ruling coalition, voters deprived it of a lower house majority. While this outcome may not have a direct impact on the market, it is important to monitor the impact of political...
SHARE THIS We believe that investors should strive for a diversified global portfolio of quality companies that can thrive in an environment where the cost of capital may be higher than previously expected. Our collective experience of the pandemic...
SHARE THIS Throughout history, equity investors have benefitted from maintaining a long-term view and an optimistic outlook on humanity's ability to prevail in the face of adversity. This might once again be the case, meaning that the biggest risk...
SHARE THIS Asian local government bonds are poised to perform well in 2025 thanks to accommodative policies by central banks amid benign inflation and moderating growth. The global easing cycle is expected to lower global yields, thereby providing...
SHARE THIS With the US “exceptionalism” narrative fading, we see value in global diversification. We observe potential turning points in Europe and China equities that may serve as opportunities to diversify global portfolios. Volatile market...
SHARE THIS As the rest of the world contends with the geopolitical and economic implications of Trump 2.0, ASEAN presents a wealth of long-term investment opportunities, driven by strong fundamentals and supportive policies.
SHARE THIS One major “plotline” central to the recent series of tariff moves is the tense trade relationship between the US and China. In this issue, we will explore how Chinese bonds have historically offered defensive characteristics and their...
SHARE THIS Nikko AM Wins Seven Awards from The Asset Nikko Asset Management Co., Ltd. (Nikko AM) was chosen as the winner in seven categories of The Asset Triple A Sustainable Investing Awards for Institutional Investor, ETF, and Asset Servicing...
SHARE THIS Speculation over the actions of the US administration had a major impact on asset markets throughout the January-March quarter, with volatility dominating towards the end. We trimmed our overweight score in growth assets during the quarter,...
SHARE THIS New Zealand’s equity market struggled in the first three months of 2025 amid global uncertainty due to trade tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Although the market news flow was quiet in March overall, some notable developments...
SHARE THIS The US recently announced a new reciprocal tariff policy. The announcement led to increased stock market volatility globally, reflecting concerns about a potential trade war. There could still be opportunities for those who can navigate...
SHARE THIS We have upgraded our near-term economic outlook for the US and anticipate Japan's "virtuous circle" to remain intact. Predicting the timing of any cyclical market downturn remains challenging. However, we also highlight heightened tail risks...
SHARE THIS In the 2024 Indian parliamentary elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP won fewer seats than expected. However, with support from pre-alliance partners, Prime Minister Modi will lead a coalition government for a third term, indicating...
SHARE THIS With inflationary issues subsiding across most of Asia, many regional central banks are now holding interest rates steady, if not cutting rates in the case of China. The US, meanwhile, is still warning of further rate hikes despite some...
SHARE THIS Financials, healthcare and energy buck the trend and rise in a down market.
SHARE THIS In a world starved of workers and growth, we believe that Asia’s ability to supply both puts the region on a very firm footing over the longer term. Once we get through this current US-led rate tightening cycle and the flush out of weaker...
SHARE THIS Has economic data really changed so much as to suggest an inflection point on inflation and the growth outlook was near? To some degree perhaps, at least in the eyes of the market, but not enough in the end for central banks to meaningfully...
SHARE THIS While the Japanese equity market managed to strongly rebound in 2020 after a sharp fall at the start of the pandemic, it has lagged its peers in 2021 amid the country’s struggle to contain COVID-19 and its slow rollout of vaccinations.