Mark Mobius: Brexit fears are overdone
The shock from Britain's Brexit vote has rippled out to emerging markets. But investment guru Mark Mobius is staying calm.
Mark Mobius, executive chairman of Templeton Emerging Markets Group, says the UK's referendum result left "many investors surprised, including me". The referendum result has already led to "a post-Brexit hangover", not just for the UK but also for the rest of the world. While the impact on the FTSE and sterling made headlines, other markets were also affected by the shock result. "Emerging markets were not exempt, with the MSCI Emerging Markets index experiencing a sharp decline," he says.
However, Mobius thinks fears that a Brexit-induced UK recession could ripple out, hitting countries around the world, are overdone. After all, most emerging markets have "widely diversified" investment and trade links, and the amount of trade between the UK and the developing world is "relatively small".
Indeed, it could even end up being a long-term plus for investors' attitudes to emerging markets, since the vote "shows the world that political instability is not concentrated in emerging marketsit can be found even in developed markets". He also thinks that Brexit, should not affect "monetary policy in emerging markets or in the United States that much".
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
However, some emerging economies may be affected, such as those that "have greater ties to the United Kingdom". Emerging market companies with operations in Britain could also be affected, such as banks with property investments in the UK. Another worry is the global uncertainty created by the risk that "other members may decide to leave the EU". But even if this scenario comes to pass, he is relatively optimistic, suggesting that, "emerging markets should be able to differentiate themselves, and individual countries should be able to bounce back based on their unique fundamentals".
Sign up to Money Morning
Our team, led by award winning editors, is dedicated to delivering you the top news, analysis, and guides to help you manage your money, grow your investments and build wealth.
-
Christmas at Chatsworth: review of The Cavendish Hotel at Baslow
MoneyWeek Travel Matthew Partridge gets into the festive spirit at The Cavendish Hotel at Baslow and the Christmas market at Chatsworth
By Dr Matthew Partridge Published
-
Tycoon Truong My Lan on death row over world’s biggest bank fraud
Property tycoon Truong My Lan has been found guilty of a corruption scandal that dwarfs Malaysia’s 1MDB fraud and Sam Bankman-Fried’s crypto scam
By Jane Lewis Published