SHARE THIS The fund seeks to achieve a NAV that closely correlates with the movement of the JPX-Nikkei Index 400 by investing in shares of the component stocks of the JPX-Nikkei Index 400, and maintaining, in principle, a portfolio constructed...
SHARE THIS Our scenario is fairly ugly for the 4Q, but has a strong silver lining thereafter. We are not optimistic about the global economy and investor returns reverting to normal for an extended period, but there should be clear intermediate term...
SHARE THIS We talk about the importance of staying focused on the broader implications of Japan’s corporate governance reforms when misconduct at major companies make the headlines; we also discuss the prospects for real estate and whether the market...
SHARE THIS We explain how the recent lower house election win gives Japan’s new prime minister a free hand to pursue policies aimed to help the economy recover from COVID-19. We also analyse why a weaker yen no longer provides as much of a boost to...
SHARE THIS When extreme market pessimism occurred in the past, there were significant corrections in undervalued stocks. While we anticipate it will take time for volatile market trends to stabilise, we believe now is a prime opportunity for bargain...
SHARE THIS As with the other markets, Japanese equities reacted immediately to Donald Trump's US presidential election win. The immediate election impact is expected to fade relatively quickly, with market focus turning to the trade policies Trump may...
SHARE THIS We believe Japan’s programme of ongoing reforms will further benefit “cash-rich” firms, many of which are small and mid-cap companies.
SHARE THIS We expect poor 1Q24 returns for MSCI World after the 4Q23 surge, but a more positive trend for the rest of 2024. Regionally, we much prefer Japan in the year ahead. Our view on global bonds for USD-based investors is that they are preferred...
SHARE THIS Currently, there is a wide variety of predictions for the BOJ’s actions, with some expecting imminent hawkish decisions based upon some of Governor-nominee Kazuo Ueda’s “anti-distortion” comments, but changes are more likely to be gradual...
SHARE THIS Through fundamental primary research, the Japan Core Equity investment team identifies quality companies within each sector and takes long-term positions. "Quality companies" are defined as financially strong with capable management teams....
SHARE THIS The Japan Enhanced Index Equity strategy aims to generate out performance over the medium to long term, using a proprietary quantitative model based on three distinct components that estimate expected alpha from individual stocks. Key...
SHARE THIS We provide our view on the Bank of Japan’s latest policy review, under which the central bank decided to allow long-term rates to fluctuate in a wider band and removed its annual target for ETF purchases. We also assess the barring of...
SHARE THIS The global economy should match the consensus for strong growth, thanks to vaccinations, continued fiscal stimulus, acceptable global geopolitical conditions, and continued low interest rates despite increasingly hawkish central banks. Such,...
SHARE THIS A large majority of our members agreed on a positive scenario in which the global economy mildly outperforms market consensus, while equities continue to rally.
SHARE THIS Our investment themes for 2024 focus on key features of a world in transition. They include higher-for-longer rates, production shortages in natural resources and the search for new sources of productivity. Transitions are never easy, and...
SHARE THIS The Global Investment Committee (GIC) held an extraordinary session to review the macroeconomic and market impact of tariffs announced by the US on 2 April, as well as subsequent actions and market reactions. The GIC’s verdict is that while...
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SHARE THIS We don’t expect smooth sailing for the global economy and markets, but there should be great relief for both stocks and bonds in 2023, with pockets of strong outperformance due to idiosyncratic advantages. Notably, Europe and Developed...
SHARE THIS The just-released 3Q CY23 data on Japan’s aggregate corporate profits was a bit mixed, but the overall corporate recurring pre-tax profit margin surged to a record high on a four-quarter average. The non-financial service sector rose to...
SHARE THIS The three Japan-related news topics that have overwhelmingly dominated the attention of Western media so far this year are COVID-19 (by far), the Tokyo Olympics and the showdown at Toshiba.