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 The outlook is currently challenging. Tightening is coming, but it is not here yet and in the meantime current policy remains quite accommodative. There is no doubt that extremely easy policy boosted equity prices, which were reinforced by...
SHARE THIS In our view, New Zealand’s status as a safe haven during times of turbulence has often exceeded that of other markets. Although the New Zealand market is relatively small, it also offers a high degree of quality, and the country's bond and...
SHARE THIS Between still high levels of inflation, fast-tightening central banks, a growing energy crisis in Europe and slow growth in China, it is easy to imagine a bleak growth outlook. But these difficult dynamics also harbour opportunities often...
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 Many media reports are suggesting that Yoshihide Suga is leading the race to be Japan’s next prime minister, with a main question being whether he, without a large faction of his own, will just be a temporary placeholder for new leader.
SHARE THIS The Russian invasion of Ukraine has created significant uncertainty for investors. Prior to the war’s outbreak, central bankers were already facing a challenging inflationary environment, and these new commodity-driven price pressures are...
SHARE THIS With the US presidential election now behind us, the two candidates seem to be proceeding in parallel universes. The apparent winner, President-elect Joe Biden, has transition planning and inauguration on his mind while President Donald...
SHARE THIS Growth prospects look to be improving—a sharp shift from late 2022 when the markets had strong conviction that a first half slowdown was to be followed by a better second half.
SHARE THIS Our investment themes for 2024 focus on key features of a world in transition. They include higher-for-longer rates, production shortages in natural resources and the search for new sources of productivity. Transitions are never easy, and...
SHARE THIS We expect poor 1Q24 returns for MSCI World after the 4Q23 surge, but a more positive trend for the rest of 2024. Regionally, we much prefer Japan in the year ahead. Our view on global bonds for USD-based investors is that they are preferred...
SHARE THIS Although we believe that the prospects for the economy remain mostly unchanged, the outlook is softer at the margins, perhaps reflecting the tightening of financial conditions seen during the recent months. Over the past month, however,...