At the Half Way Mark

The 1st half of 2022 doesn’t look like it’s going to end much better for the global financial markets than how it started. Putin has not shown any signs of abandoning the attack he initiated on Ukraine. Thousands have lost their lives, with million having been displaced in what the world is calling the biggest war in Europe since the World War II. Putin, instead, refers to it as a move to “demilitarise, and de-Nazify Ukraine”, which has triggered uncertainties on a global scale that unified global financial markets to tumble together and uniformly display a sea of red in returns.

While China started as the poster boy for success in managing the Covid outbreak, its strict “zero covid policy” has led to bigger problems, not only for itself, but its international counterparts as well. The recent 7-week lockdown in Shanghai, the country’s financial hub, had seen the country’s economic activity grinding to a halt. Factories, commercial businesses, as well as its port were left unattended as residents were kept confined to their homes in the government’s bid to avoid a spread. While the lockdown has since been lifted, the move had cast a shadow of doubt on what lies ahead for the Asian giant. Worries over global supply chain constraints remain prevalent, and while backlogged orders are expected to be fulfilled with the easing of the lockdown in the city, concerns are now shifting towards the US, and Europe, who may then face capacity issues with the sudden surge of goods being received.

So will global financial markets finally see some reprise now that the activities are starting to steamroll back to normalcy? As the 1st 5 months of the year has been full of surprises, we still think it best to remain diversified; to take advantage of the heavily sold down and fundamentally strong themes, while maintaining a decent exposure into assets that are able to provide investors with wealth storage (That’s Gold, in case you were wondering).

 

What’s Red and What’s Not?

After a harrowing 5-months for global equities, commodities are leading the race. Disruption in oil supply, and signs of global economies easing back to normalcy drove oil price to breach the USD 120 per barrel level (which concurrently intensified inflationary concerns). A 66% return in MYR terms put Oil far ahead of the rest of the indices. Precious Gold however, treaded through uncertainties and provided the conservative investors who looked for avenues to safeguard the value of their assets with a 7.3% gain in MYR terms over the period. 

That was the list of what’s not. Now to the list of what’s red. Generally…..most major indices are still in the red in MYR terms YTD up till 9 June 2022.  But with China finally signaling that it is easing its restrictions (on Covid, and its tech sector) after the tech sector suffered from major selloff episodes, will investors take the opportunity to jump back into the market at heavily beaten down prices? China’s tech giants have seen its stock prices climbing steadily higher after China sent signals of easing its crackdown on the sector, lifting the New China sectors faster than the broader market. The S&P New China Sectors ex A Shares Index clawed its way back to display single digit negative returns, while the broader Shanghai Composite, and CSI 300 are still trying to catch up with negative returns of 10.7%, and 15.2% respectively in MYR terms.

 

Source: Bloomberg as at 10 June 2022. All returns are indicated in MYR terms

 

Half Full, or Half Empty?  How to Position for the Next Half

In the current market landscape, the market optimists will likely take advantage of lower prices, and increase exposure into beaten down stocks.  What comes down must go back up. Right? On the other extreme, the market pessimists will probably continue hiding in Gold, believing this would be the safest option.

A turn against any of these beliefs would likely lead to heartbreak … and when the use of “in hindsight” by investors spike. Which Is why we continue to advocate diversification when building a long-term investment portfolio. A well-diversified portfolio may hold the potential of attracting comparatively slower returns compared to a concentrated portfolio. But, it also provides investors with a peace of mind as large swings are typically mediated through a larger pool of non-corelated assets.

Whether you are looking for an ETF that can help you retain the value of your assets during more volatile financial market conditions, looking for a high growth strategy, or just want investments that can provide you with a regular income - TradePlus has a strategy for you. With a wide range of ETFs currently being offered on Bursa, the different ETFs will be able to provide you with the diversification needs to build a healthy long-term investment portfolio. 

 

Snapshot of TradePlus ETFs

 

ETF Name

TradePlus Shariah
Gold Tracker

TradePlus S&P
New China Tracker

TradePlus DWA Malaysia Momentum Tracker

TradePlus MSCI Asia
ex Japan REITs Tracker

Investment Opportunity

As a safe haven asset, Gold acts as a storage of value during market uncertainty

Capitalise on the revival of China’s tech sector after the major sell off, and China’s indication of easing crackdown measures.

Gain exposure in 20 Malaysian companies that have displayed strong price momentum

Enjoy regular income through a portfolio of REITs, with potential capital growth with the reopening of economies post-Covid lockdown

Investment Focus

  • Aims to track price performance of Gold
  • Invests into physical gold bars
  • Shariah-compliant
  • Provides exposure into consumer-focused sectors such as tech, services, asset management firms, etc
  • Exposure gained through China companies listed in HK, and US.
  • A smart-beta strategy ETF that invests into 20 of the highest momentum stocks listed on Bursa Malaysia
  • A proven long-term investment strategy of DWA Nasdaq.
  • A smart-beta strategy ETF that invests into a portfolio of high dividend paying REITs listed in Asia ex Japan.
  • Aims to provider regular quarterly income distribution

Unit Trust Feeder Fund Option

Yes

Affin Hwang Shariah Gold Tracker Fund

Yes

Affin Hwang New China Tracker Fund

No

No

NAV per Unit

(as at 9 June 2022)

RM 2.5732

RM 5.5550

RM 0.9542

RM 0.9631

Bursa Stock Code

0828EA

0829EA (MYR)

0829EB (USD)

0836EA

0837EA

 

For more information

www.tradeplus.com.my
www.facebook.com/AHAMCapital/
#ahamcapital
+(60) 12 606 8685
TradePlus ETF

 

Disclaimer: This article has been prepared by AHAM Asset Management Berhad (“AHAM Capital”) specific for its use, a specific target audience, and for discussion purposes only. All information contained within this presentation belongs to AHAM Capital and may not be copied, distributed or otherwise disseminated in whole or in part without written consent of AHAM Capital. The information contained in this presentation may include, but is not limited to opinions, analysis, forecasts, projections and expectations (collectively referred to as “Opinions”). Such information has been obtained from various sources including those in the public domain, are merely expressions of belief. Although this presentation has been prepared on the basis of information and/or Opinions that are believed to be correct at the time the presentation was prepared, AHAM Capital makes no expressed or implied warranty as to the accuracy and completeness of any such information and/or Opinions. As with any forms of financial products, the financial product mentioned herein (if any) carries with it various risks. Although attempts have been made to disclose all possible risks involved, the financial product may still be subject to inherent risk that may arise beyond our reasonable contemplation. The financial product may be wholly unsuited for you, if you are adverse to the risk arising out of and/or in connection with the financial product. AHAM Capital is not acting as an advisor or agent to any person to whom this presentation is directed. Such persons must make their own independent assessments of the contents of this presentation, should not treat such content as advice relating to legal, accounting, taxation or investment matters and should consult their own advisers. AHAM Capital and its affiliates may act as a principal and agent in any transaction contemplated by this presentation, or any other transaction connected with any such transaction, and may as a result earn brokerage, commission or other income. Nothing in this presentation is intended to be, or should be construed as an offer to buy or sell, or invitation to subscribe for, any securities. Neither AHAM Capital nor any of its directors, employees or representatives are to have any liability (including liability to any person by reason of negligence or negligent misstatement) from any statement, opinion, information or matter (expressed or implied) arising out of, contained in or derived from or any omission from this presentation, except liability under statute that cannot be excluded.

 

Warning Statement: A copy of the Prospectus / Supplemental Prospectus for the TradePlus Shariah Gold Tracker and TradePlus S&P New China Tracker, the Prospectus for the TradePlus DWA Malaysia Momentum Tracker and TradePlus MSCI Asia Ex Japan REITs Tracker can be obtained at Affin Hwang Asset Management's (“AHAM Capital”) website at www.tradeplus.com.my. Investors are advised to read and understand the contents of the Prospectus dated 28 November 2017 and Supplemental Prospectus dated 2 July 2019 (for TradePlus Shariah Gold Tracker), Prospectus dated 15 January 2019 and Supplemental Prospectus dated 2 July 2019 (for TradePlus S&P New China Tracker), Prospectus dated 9 July 2020 (for TradePlus DWA Malaysia Momentum Tracker), Prospectus dated 9 July 2020 (for TradePlus MSCI Asia Ex Japan REITs Tracker) before investing. There are fees and charges involved when investing in the funds stated herein. Investors are advised to consider and compare the fees and charges as well of the risks carefully before investing. Investors should make their own assessment of the risks involved in investing and should seek professional advice, where necessary. The price of units and distribution payable, if any, may go down as well as up and past performance of the funds should not be taken as indicative of their future performance. The Securities Commission Malaysia has not reviewed this material and takes no responsibility for the contents of this material and expressly disclaims all liability, however arising from this material.