As wealth managers seek to diversify clients’ portfolios with allocations abroad, fund companies are adding vehicles that may provide easy access to non-U.S. markets. For those advisors who prefer actively-managed funds, it can take more than one fund to access developed and emerging markets across the capital range.
Natixis has launched a fund that can provide both emerging and developed Asia Pacific markets exposure in an actively-managed portfolio. The Absolute Asia Asset Management Limited fund (DEFAX), is free from cap restraints, so small-, mid- and large-cap equity exposure to emerging and developed markets in the Asia Pacific region (ex-Japan), are provided in a single mutual fund.
Managed jointly by Singapore-based Bill Sung and Joyce Toh, the fund’s objective is to “maximize total return,” according to a March 1 news release. “The economic vitality of the Asia Pacific region is quickly converting one of the world’s most diverse geographic locations into an international marketplace of large-scale commerce, investment and development that is capturing the interest of many investors,” Sung said in the announcement. “Our strategic location directly in the heart of the Asia Pacific region gives us the distinct advantage of being close to the companies and business centers which are our focus.”
The duo expects to select a fairly concentrated portfolio, investing the lion’s share—80% of the portfolio or more—in equities of “30 to 40 companies located or operating throughout Asia (excluding Japan).”
See the full news release, here.
Comments? Please send them to kmcbride@wealthmanagerweb.com. Kate McBride is editor in chief of Wealth Manager and a member of The Committee for the Fiduciary Standard.