Emerging Markets Equities

Even as the broader geopolitical environment and global economic uncertainty continue to impact the headlines on China, strong growth prospects underpin several sectors and companies.

Unlike horses that need blinders to keep them narrowly focused on winning a race, investors should expand their field of vision to consider the risks around them. Matthew Benkendorf, CIO of the Quality Growth Boutique, shares 5 principles that are critical to help successfully navigate emerging markets.

Many emerging markets are more resilient to external shocks than in the past and can better withstand the pressures of a stronger US dollar. And so far, many EMs have been fairly conservative in their use of stimulus in response to Covid-19. This increases the potential for prosperous times ahead.

The ongoing trade war and eroding U.S.-China relationship have been a catalyst for making it less attractive for Chinese companies to seek a public listing in the United States. The Chinese government is finally making good on promises to open up domestic markets to foreign investors. Additionally, Hong Kong and China are taking steps to make local listings more attractive, especially to high-tech start-ups.

Jin Zhang provides insights on changes in the global supply chain, long-term beneficiaries of the trade war, India’s growth prospects and Brazil’s path to reform.

In our new audio series, Vontobel Quality Growth Portfolio Managers offer insights on how to navigate volatility. You can listen to our experts’ views on the risks in equity markets today and how they identify companies that are on the right side of long-term structural trends.

A growing emerging markets middle class and increased domestic demand may reduce poverty across the planet, and also provide fertile ground for investors. Companies that can consistently deliver to increasingly wealthy EM consumers stand to profit.

Brazil has sold off as the market fears the country is in trouble. If the huge pension program is not reformed, it will add expense to a budget already in deficit – and reform has proven extremely difficult. On top of this, there will be a new President elected in October. The race is so open and full of new and anti-establishment candidates, there is a fear that reform may languish along with the country’s finances.