EM Fund Stock Picks & Country Commentaries (December 8, 2024)
China bank recapitalization, surge in US$ convertible bonds by Chinese stocks, Capitec Bank, Botswana vs. lab diamonds, EM credit risks, the AI Maturity Matrix, 2024 year-end book recommendations, etc
As of early December, a few November fund updates have become available (our continuously updated post containing all funds is here) along with new research starting with some non-EM focused pieces that might be of interest:
🔬🌍 abrdn has this interesting piece about German listed ticketing and events business CTS Eventim AG & Co KGaA (ETR: EVD / FRA: EVD / OTCMKTS: CEVMF) and small appliances designer and marketer SharkNinja (NYSE: SN): Global smaller companies: cautious consumers? - We look at two stocks that are lighting up the small-cap sector. Since the dawn of commerce, companies have grappled with a crucial question: what are consumers willing to spend their money on?
🔬🌐 BCG has this report: The AI Maturity Matrix: Which Economies Are Ready for AI?
Out of 73 economies assessed, only five—Canada, Mainland China, Singapore, the UK, and the US— are categorized as AI pioneers
Several economies with high AI readiness are just behind the pace of AI pioneers.
Most economies in the study are not ready for AI disruption. More than 70% score below the halfway mark in categories like ecosystem participation, skills, and R&D.
🔬🌐 Investment Traffic Lights (DWS) - Our monthly market analysis and positioning
Donald Trump's election in November put investors in a buoyant mood, with only the expected victims of his tariff policy looking gloomy.
Europe and Asia also experienced a politically heated late autumn, leaving investors very skeptical about France.
It seems little stands in the way of the traditional year-end rally. Whether the momentum will continue after Trump takes office is far less certain.
🔬🎥🌐 Some of these books look potentially interesting: What’s Oaktree Reading? 2024 Year-End Book Recommendations / What’s Oaktree Reading? 2024 Year-End Book Recommendations (7:26 Minutes) - In 2024, amid meaningful global shifts – from cultural and technological advancements to geopolitical and economic uncertainty – books continue to offer fresh perspectives and valuable lessons. And at a time when information is abundant and constantly evolving, reading remains a timeless method of gaining new insights. Check out ten books that helped Oaktree team members navigate complex issues in our rapidly changing world. Plus, you can watch the video to learn more.
New Asia Fund Documents & Research
📰🌏 Keppler has this report about Abrdn Asia Focus PLC (LON: AAS): abrdn Asia Focus: Kepler research note - Read the latest comprehensive research note published by Kepler, providing an update on the Trust's portfolio, gearing, performance, dividend, charges and environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations.
🚨🎬🌏 City Wire has this webinar with the portfolio manager of Fidelity Asian Values Plc (LON: FAS) that includes some interesting slides plus discussed Hong Kong based jewellery chain Chow Sang Sang Holdings (HKG: 0116 / FRA: CJW1 / OTCMKTS: CHOWF), clothing maker Crystal International Group (HKG: 2232 / OTCMKTS: CRYIF), Indonesian stocks, China, etc.: Focus on Value amidst market momentum (45:49 Minutes) - Nitin Bajaj, portfolio manager of Fidelity Asian Values PLC spoke to Citywire’s Gavin Lumsden about the prospects for the Asia Pacific region following the US election and the recent efforts by China to revive its faltering economy.