Asian economies, including China, Japan, Australia and many southeast Asian nations, have signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Asian economies are already in good spirits, says Laura He on CNN. The region has largely dodged the worst of the pandemic. The RCEP deal will only reinforce the eastward drift of the global economy’s centre of gravity.
Not everywhere in Asia is so fortunate. India’s economy has been hit hard by Covid-19, but its BSE Sensex index hit a new record high this week on positive vaccine trial news. The index has gained 69% since the mid-March low. Indian equities have also been boosted by the unwinding of US election risks, says Buttonwood in The Economist. With less to worry about at home, American money managers are ready to go shopping abroad.
Emerging markets certainly have some catching up to do: the MSCI Emerging Markets Index has gained just 3% over the past ten years and remains short of its 2007 all-time high. While some east Asian emerging markets have soared of late, Brazil and South Africa have lagged. The case for emerging markets has long rested on powerful demographic trends, say Tony Roth and Meghan Shue on CNBC.com. But today the central role of Asian economies in the “digital revolution” is just as important.
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
As well as manufacturing most of the world’s gadgets, Asian consumers are also the most enthusiastic digital adopters. The region’s economies are “years ahead” of America’s when it comes to “contactless payments” and “facial recognition software”. Post-pandemic, the likes of Vietnam, Indonesia and India are likely to get a boost as multinational companies re-think their supply chains. “The smart money” is betting on emerging markets.
-
Tariff day: what to expect from Trump’s ‘Liberation Day'Donald Trump's tariff day is fast approaching. What does it mean for global markets and your money?
-
Is the stock market open on Easter?Will your stocks bloom during Easter? We look at the UK stock market opening times over the spring holiday period
-
Large cap stocks start to struggle – is it time for investors to reassess their focus?Buying quality large caps worked very well last decade. A more volatile world will be a bigger challenge for these star stocks, says Cris Sholto Heaton
-
How to generate income with fixed-interest investmentsPublic debt is overvalued, but other fixed-interest investments now look like a bargain, says Max King
-
Three top-notch Taiwanese companies cashing in on the advent of AIOpinion Eric Chan, investment director and co-manager of the Aberdeen Asian Income Fund, highlights three potential Taiwanese winners in the technology industry
-
Weight-loss drugs could revolutionise the economy – the investments to buy nowThe new generation of weight-loss drugs are a boon for the overweight, but they also promise to change our relationship with food and revolutionise the economy
-
Find tomorrow’s Asian giants while they are still smaller companiesOpinion Nitin Bajaj, portfolio manager of the Fidelity Asian Values trust, picks three Asian companies to invest in.
-
AI will maintain Moody’s market lead, says Stephen ConnollyOpinion Veteran data provider Moody's has adapted well to the modern world, and is one of Warren Buffett’s longest-held investments
-
Is BlackRock World Mining gearing for a recovery?Opinion After a frustrating year, BlackRock World Mining is positioned for growth and to capitalise on the sector's recovery
-
Should you limit exposure to US tech stocks?An end to the AI boom would shake both US funds and global trackers. Here’s one way to trim exposure to US tech stocks
