Funds

Asia Ex-Japan

Ideas

Top Fund Idea: Schroder Asian Income Fund

Swift reaction to virus problems paying dividends

16 April 2020

Past Performance

1Y
-2.0%
3Y
1.6%
5Y
1.7%

Swift reaction to virus problems paying dividends

  • While the coronavirus epidemic began in Asia, Asia ex-Japan stocks have outperformed its US and European peers in the first quarter. On a total return basis, in US Dollar terms, the MSCI Asia ex-Japan index fell 18.6% in the first quarter versus its US and European peers, which slid 20.0% and 24.9% respectively.
  • Unlike their Western counterparts, governments in Asia have been quick to stem the spread of the virus via rapid testing, comprehensive contact tracing and other draconian means including full city lockdowns. This has kept a lid on infection levels in countries like China, Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore.
  • There are also promising signs of economic activity finally restarting in China after the almost two-months long shut down. China’s official manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) saw a steep rebound in March from 35.7 to 52, signalling a recovery in business sentiment.
  • On a relative basis, the outlook in Asia seems less dire as compared to the US and Europe. While we believe long-term value has emerged in Asia ex-Japan equities, investors should engage the region via a diversified portfolio in view of the volatile market. In this case, a multi-asset approach might be just what the doctor ordered.

Why We Like the Fund

  • The fund aims to provide income and capital growth over the medium to longer term by investing primarily in Asian equities and Asian fixed income securities.
  • The fund prefers businesses that generate sustainable quality cash flows and pays out a sustainable yield.
  • The fund is also defensively positioned with a focus on capital preservation, which increases the portfolio’s resilience against potential ructions in a turbulent market.
  • Investors may benefit from the fund’s active asset allocation strategy, which seeks to maximise the yield and total return of the portfolio across different market environments.
  • However, investors should note that past performance is not indicative of any future performance. A sharp deterioration of market conditions amid a still fragile trade environment could affect the fund’s overall performance.

About the Fund

NAV as at 7 April 2020
S$0.953
Fund Inception Date
21 October 2011
Fund Size
S$5,542.89 mil
Annual Management Fee
1.25% p.a.
Subscription Modes
Cash/ SRS

Top 5 Holdings

 
%
HK Electric Investments
2.1
Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust
2.0
Power Assets Holdings Limited
1.9
Mapletree Commercial Trust REIT
1.8
Mapletree Industrial Trust REIT
1.8

NAV Movement

Source: NAV chart based on Bloomberg data as at 7 April 2020

Sector Allocation (%)

Source: Fund information extracted from the fund’s factsheet provided by Schroder Investment Management as at 29 February 2020

Note: Performance as at 29 February 2020 for the SGD Distribution share class only, calculated on an offer-to-bid basis with all dividends and distributions reinvested, net of all charges payable upon reinvestment, if any. Performance figures exceeding 1 year, if any, were stated on an average annual compounded basis.

The information below solely constitutes the views of OCBC Bank and does not consider the specific investment objectives, financial situation or needs of anyone. The Bank is therefore not responsible for any loss or damage arising from this information. Investment involves risks. If you wish to make an investment, you should first speak to your OCBC Relationship Manager or a Personal Financial Consultant.
SCHRODER ASIAN INCOME SGD A DIS

Suitable for Balanced/ Growth/ Aggressive

1-year performance

+ 4.58 %