New Fund: OSK-UOB Asian Income Fund

If you have a medium risk appetite and are seeking for an investment opportunity in the Asian region, you may want to take a close look at OSK-UOB Asian Income Fund, a balanced fund which was newly launched by OSK-UOB Investment Management Berhad on 5 June 2012.

The fund is a feeder fund that aims to provide income and capital growth over the medium to long term by investing in one target fund, i.e, the Schroder Asian Income (fund's inception date: 24 October 2011 and is denominated in Singapore Dollar), which primarily invests in Asian equities and Asian fixed income securities.

More about Schroder Asian Income

The Schroder Asian Income can invests in Asian high yield bonds (30% - 70%), Asian high dividend yielding equities (30% - 70%), cash (0% - 30%) or other asset classes (0% - 10%). Cash will be used if necessary to limit downside risk during adverse market conditions. Financial derivatives are also used to stabilize the portfolio of the fund by hedging the fund's exposure to foreign currency.

This strategy allows the Schroder Asian Income to adjust its allocation according to the phases of the economic cycle to deliver more consistent returns.

Click here to know more about Schroder Asian Income fund

Click here to download the OSK-UOB Asian Income fund prospectus

Source: OSK-UOB Investment Management

Western Debt Crisis: Bursting of Volcano? (Sept 2011)

We cannot deny that we are in for another round of hard times since 2008 global financial crisis. Some experts are saying that we are facing the Great Depression wave coming in the next few months, if no concrete efforts put in by global leaders. Meanwhile, some experts think that opportunities arises again and put off the double-dip recession speculation.

The downgrading of US's AAA rating re-ignite the fears over the sustainability of its sovereign debt. However, please be mindful that US rating remains extremely sound and reflecting a very low risk of default in the long term, still. USD remain the preferred and most widely traded currency in the foreseeable future, and there is no reason to worry about.

Sovereign Risk scaring investors away?

Meanwhile, in Eurozone, the situation remains very complex and greater political will is needed to maintain Euro as regional currency. Between Eurozone breaking up and resolving the situation, which one is easier? Of course, the economic and financial cost of the Eurozone breaking up seems far higher.

Undoubtedly, the "Volcano" is active again now and may burst anytime from now. Unless, we poured ice on it to prevent the crisis. Sorry, we needs ICE-BERG (great efforts) to get through it. Otherwise, we may just let it burst, and start all over again. Not a bad idea though, right?

I can say it that way because I am living in Asia right now. Luckily, Asia is much more resilient comparing to its western friends, partly due to the 1997 Asia financial crisis which make our banking system strong and pro-active now. Our lessons were being taught to western countries this round. Hopefully, they know the root of the problem and tackles it painfully.