Over the week ended 1 February 2013, equities were largely higher across the board, with local China equities racking up the strongest gains – the CSI 300 index delivered a hefty 8.32% return over the week, although offshore China equities (as represented by the HSML 100 index) failed to match up with a milder 2.82% return. South Korean equities were marginally lower owing to a slight depreciation of the won against the Ringgit, while Malaysia was the standout underperformer, delivering a -0.59% return on continued fears over an announcement of the impending General Election.
With improving economic data, stronger-than-expected earnings reports as well as more positive investor sentiment, equity markets have started the year well, with global equities (as represented by the MSCI AC World index) delivering a hefty 7.16% return for January 2013, helped by strong performances of developed markets like the US (+7.98%) and Europe (+8.64%). Emerging market equities have lagged somewhat, although markets like Thailand, Russia, India, Hong Kong and China have generated superior returns compared to their other EM counterparts. Despite the strong performance of most equity markets so far in 2013, valuations remain attractive across most equity markets, especially in the context of a low interest rate environment.
With improving economic data, stronger-than-expected earnings reports as well as more positive investor sentiment, equity markets have started the year well, with global equities (as represented by the MSCI AC World index) delivering a hefty 7.16% return for January 2013, helped by strong performances of developed markets like the US (+7.98%) and Europe (+8.64%). Emerging market equities have lagged somewhat, although markets like Thailand, Russia, India, Hong Kong and China have generated superior returns compared to their other EM counterparts. Despite the strong performance of most equity markets so far in 2013, valuations remain attractive across most equity markets, especially in the context of a low interest rate environment.