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With the resurgence of fixed income – especially in the Asian market – analysts predict a positive yield performance for the upcoming year. Proponents advocate for high-yielding local currency bonds, attributing this potential to favourable economic and monetary conditions. Correspondent Howie Lim gets more insights from Navin Saigal, head of fundamental fixed income, Asia Pacific at BlackRock on the viability of Asian fixed income investments.
Asian Market Outperformance
Asian high-yield bonds have outshined both local and global fixed-income markets. This trend is underpinned by consistent foreign inflows, driven by optimism surrounding US Federal Reserve policies. However, September brought uncertainties, causing a temporary slowdown in investments. The subsequent US rate cut revitalised interest in Asian bonds.
September also witnessed a surge in the Asian international bond market, marked by substantial issuances. This trend reflects a robust market appetite, even with complex investment conditions. As international bond markets fluctuate, investor sentiment remains cautiously optimistic.
Asian Fixed Income Current Landscape
Navin Saigal outlines the current state of Asian fixed income. High US policy rates and a fragile Japanese yen initially posed challenges. However, recent changes have transformed these obstacles into growth drivers. Rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve and a strengthened yen have propelled capital flows back into Asian markets.
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Regional Fixed Income Opportunities
Various markets within Asia, including India, the Philippines, and Indonesia, present lucrative fixed-income opportunities. Government bonds in these regions offer compelling yields, with inflation-adjusted returns proving attractive for investors. This diversity within Asian markets enriches global portfolios.
Saigal emphasises the necessity of incorporating more fixed income into portfolios. The rare opportunity to lock in high yields ranging from six to eight percent is seen as favourable compared to current equity valuations. This shift aligns with a strategy to exploit favourable fixed-income conditions over the next few years.
The desynchronization of economic cycles globally positions Asian bonds as vital diversifiers. Despite not always offering higher yields, their uncorrelated performance with US markets provides strategic benefits. This characteristic secures their place in well-rounded portfolios.
Anticipated Risks
Investment risk factors include reinvestment and event risks. Upcoming US elections and Federal Reserve meetings may introduce market volatility. However, Naveen advises maintaining a balance of cash reserves to capitalise on market disruptions while being mindful of declining cash rates.
For a long-term perspective, the focus remains on stable income streams rather than market timing. With yields paying significant returns, the promise of compound interest and staying invested overshadows the pursuit of momentary market advantages. Naveen underscores the timeless principle that ‘time in the market’ is imperative for ongoing investment success.
For the outlook for Asian fixed income, listen to the full episode which provides valuable insights for investors seeking to optimise their portfolios in light of current and forecasted economic trends.
For more episodes, go to bt.sg/moneyhacks and if you have feedback or an episode idea, please get in touch at btpodcasts@sph.com.sg.
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Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg)
With Navin Saigal, head of fundamental fixed income, Asia Pacific at BlackRock
Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro
Produced by: Howie Lim
Engineered by: Chai Pei Chieh
A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media
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