Fund Insights Directory 2016 | Page 55

REGIONAL/SINGLE COUNTRY EMERGING MARKET EQUITY SECTOR ANALYSIS Three-year sector performance Most regional emerging market funds delivered negative returns over the threeyear period, with those in the emerging Asia segment performing better than that of emerging Europe and Latin America. The performance by single country funds varied and featured at both ends of the performance spectrum. India-focused funds did particularly well, while Brazilfocused funds were at the bottom dropping 50% in US dollar terms over the period. MARKET REVIEW Sector performance diverged across regions and countries. Latin America and emerging Europe equities were hit hardest due to the falling oil and commodity prices. These regional currencies also suffered from strong depreciation pressures in the face of a deteriorating macro outlook and a strengthening US dollar. Specific events including the Russian/Ukraine conflict and the corruption scandal in Brazil also weighed on the two biggest economies. In contrast, emerging Asia fared much better, with several countries, including India, posting solid returns on the back of Modi coming into power. Source: FE Analytics (31 Mar ’13 to 31 Mar ’16) MARKET OUTLOOK Emerging market equities are now trading at a considerable discount versus developed market equities. However, a combination of falling demand for materials and an increase in oil and gas supply will do little to relieve the uncertainties surrounding the commodity-oriented economies. The only exception to this may be the emerging Asia economies, which should be better off as they tend to benefit from lower commodity prices and some positive changes taking place in China. Three-year annualised return/volatility Provided by FE Advisory Asia as of 31 May ’16 Source: FE Analytics (31 Mar ’13 to 31 Mar ’16) For professional investors only Fund Selector Asia Fund Insights Directory 2016 53