Small cap will drive Chinese economy
Small cap companies in China are at the forefront of driving the country’s economic shift, according to Matthews Asia portfolio manager Tiffany Hsiao.
Small cap companies in China are at the forefront of driving the country’s economic shift, according to Matthews Asia portfolio manager Tiffany Hsiao.
Neil Woodford’s flagship Equity Income fund was downgraded in FE’s latest rebalance from five crowns to just one, six months after receiving the debut accolade.
With an average return of 16.11% in sterling terms, the IA Japan sector well rewarded investors in 2017, with the best performing fund up nearly 40%.
Those investors who took a risk on approach in 2017 have been well rewarded, with the traditionally more volatile sectors and regions topping the performance return tables over the year.
Japan funds continued their strong performance into November, with the IA Japanese Smaller Companies and Japan sectors producing the strongest returns in an otherwise quiet month for markets.
St James’s Place confirmed it is preparing to launch two funds this November, as it reported net inflows totalled more than £2bn in the third quarter.
While never in doubt, the strength of victory of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ruling party in Sunday’s snap lower house election exceeded expectations, with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) securing more than half the number of lower house seats.
All eyes will be on Japan this weekend as the country heads to the polls, with the incumbent Shinzo Abe looking set to win a fourth term as prime minister. However, a large victory may not be in the country’s best interest, managers warn.
With Shinzo Abe’s recent announcement of a snap election, Adrian Lowcock, investment director at Architas, assesses the case for investing in Japan.
Allianz Global Investors announced several new appointments as it confirmed current co-head George McKay will retire in 2018.
Pictet Asset Management has increased its weightings to the eurozone and Japan, while at a sector level it has raised exposure to financial and energy companies.
Value opportunities in Japan are few and far between for investors according to Harris Associates’ David Herro, manager of the $29bn Oakmark International Fund.