Aberdeen Asset Managementwill leverage off its Asian equities capabilities managed out of Singapore following the launch of an Australian version of its Asian Opportunities Fund.
The decision to launch the fund, which excludes investing in Japan, stems from an assertion that both the local and global events that have recently impacted markets in the region have now subsided.
This decision comes despite the recent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic that had a major effect on the confidence and economic stability of companies in these Asian markets.
According to Aberdeen manager sales and marketing Brett Jollie, with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic now in remission and the Iraq conflict largely over, there should now be some upside in Asian markets.
Jollie says other factors such as improved corporate governance and transparency in Asia as well as anticipation of a US upswing also add to the attractiveness of the Asian market at present.
The fund — the Aberdeen Asian Opportunities Fund — is to be based on Aberdeen’s existing model portfolios and managed by its Singapore investment team.
Jollie adds that Aberdeen has long-established investment capabilities in managing Asian country and regional funds from Singapore.
The fund will be available via theMacquarieandBTwraps from November, and open for institutional applications as of October 30.
Jollie says the group is aiming to get the fund rated by research houses and then begin talking about the fund with dealer groups.
