Gatekeepers in Asia are finding space on their crowded shelves for funds that can cope with expected US rate rises, China uncertainty and low oil prices. Alternative products are a big focus.
Tag : cerulli associates
The French firm is seeking to capitalise on its success elsewhere by adding two multi-asset income funds to its line-up in Asia. It is betting on continued demand amid volatile markets.
Data shows the market share of banks as distributors of investment product in Asia has slumped, even as UK figures show a rise in direct distribution. Is this what Asia can expect?
Mutual fund shoppers in China increasingly depend on websites for information on investments, a new poll shows. But investors in Asia appear to be using more traditional information, such as friends' advice.
It has included Aberdeen Asset Management, First State Investments and Investec Asset Management to its open-architecture offering. But Cerulli sees difficulties with the model.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore has given the products the green light, but industry observers highlight that regulators in Malaysia and Thailand have yet to do so.
Commodities trading means Australian investors already feel exposed to China, notes State Street Global Advisors. But China's inclusion in MSCI's EM index would force investors to act.
Japanese institutional investors will increasingly award mandates to foreign managers and advisers, according to Cerulli Associates and the Nomura Research Institute.
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Mutual fund managers, facing asset retention issues, are increasingly turning to private bank and insurers for distribution, says Cerulli, but fierce competition will keep the shift gradual.
As Southeast Asians accumulate wealth, they will likely invest more in non-traditional assets, including real estate and insurance products. That looks set to deplete industry AUM.
The Thai bourse has been on a tear and trigger funds have flooded the market. But Cerulli expects competing products to emerge in 2013 as the phenomenon runs out of steam.
Cerulli tips a CAGR of 11% up to 2016 for Asia ex-Japan mutual funds. It expects a narrowing of retail banking as a distribution channel and does not see ETFs overtaking mutual funds.