Funds

Asia Ex-Japan

Ideas

Lion-Bank of Singapore Asian Income Fund (SGD-Hedged Class A Acc)

Thriving Asia weighed down by external challenges

2nd Quarter 2017

Past performance

1Y
7.5%
3Y
N.A.
5Y
N.A.

Weaker exchange rates, higher commodity prices and firming growth prospects in the developed world as evidenced by the improving trend in Purchasing Manager Indices (PMIs) data have lifted the macro-outlook in Asia.

The uplift in global sentiments has translated into better export prints for almost every major economy in the region, besting even market expectations. PMI data in Asia have also improved markedly from the lows of 2015 signalling increased business optimism.

Yet, external challenges including President Trump’s protectionist agenda, a potentially hawkish Fed and renewed downturn in China remain.

While ample current account surpluses, large foreign exchange reserves and improving household and corporate balance sheets should provide adequate buffers, investors should remain vigilant and consider an actively managed multi-asset strategy to mitigate potential downside risks.

Why we like the fund

  • The fund invests in Asia through a flexible multi-asset approach, which helps to reduce overall portfolio volatility.
  • Following a Tactical Asset Allocation framework devised by the Bank of Singapore - OCBC’s private banking arm - the fund is able to adjust the size of its market participation by actively tweaking the composition of its holdings to either defend itself against downside risks or ride on favourable market conditions to generate returns.
  • Investors may benefit from a potentially stable and regular income stream, derived from traditional stocks and bonds as well as option fee premiums.
  • The latter arises from the ability of the fund to write covered call options - or take active bets against overvalued stocks - giving the fund an edge over its competitors in terms of delivering income.

About the fund

NAV as at 30 March 2017
S$1.08
Inception Date
2 February 2016
Fund Size
US$149.1 mil
Annual Management Fee
1.2% p.a.
Subscription Modes
Cash/ SRS (SGD-Hedged share class)

Top 5 holdings

 
%
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS
2.6
POLARIS TAIWAN TOP50 TRACKER
2.4
TENCENT HOLDINGS LTD
2.1
AIA GROUP LTD
2.0
GLOBAL LOGISTIC PROPERTIES LTD
2.0

NAV movement

Source: NAV chart based on Bloomberg data as at 3 April 2017; fund information extracted from the fund’s factsheet provided by Lion Global Investors Limited was as at 28 February 2017. 

Country allocation

Note: Performance as at 28 February 2017, 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.
LION-BANK OF SINGAPORE ASIAN INCOME FD A DIS SGD-H

Suitable for Balanced/ Growth/ Aggressive

1-year performance

+ 8.65 %

LION-BANK OF SINGAPORE ASIAN INCOME FD A ACC SGD-H

Suitable for Balanced/ Growth

1-year performance

+ 8.66 %