Aberdeen Asset Management maximises nation's opportunities
Australia offers an attractive proposition for Asian investors. With its highly rated banking system, highly skilled workforce, strong fiscal position and effective regulatory framework, Australia has enjoyed 22 consecutive years of uninterrupted economic growth - an achievement unequalled by any other developed economy.
Australia offers an attractive proposition for Asian investors. With its highly rated banking system, highly skilled workforce, strong fiscal position and effective regulatory framework, Australia has enjoyed 22 consecutive years of uninterrupted economic growth - an achievement unequalled by any other developed economy.
Among Asia-Pacific's major trading partners, Australia is renowned for its abundant natural resources. Yet it offers numerous high-quality investments across a range of sectors, with around 80 per cent of its economy being services-based.
The reasons to invest are clear: Asian investors gain diversification benefits, and yields from equity and bond investments tend to be higher in Australia than in much of the developed world.
Aberdeen Asset Management has demonstrated Australia's high-value proposition. Net returns over the past three years from Aberdeen's Australian Equities Fund, Australian Small Companies Fund and Australian Fixed Income Fund have averaged around 5 per cent, 13 per cent and 6 per cent per annum, respectively, as of September 30, 2013.
"We focus on buying high-quality investments to hold for the long term," says Brett Jollie, managing director for Australia, who credits Aberdeen's rigorous screening process for the strong performance. "Integral to this process is first-hand research using our tried-and-tested proprietary techniques. Quality is defined in reference to business prospects, management, financials, transparency and commitment to shareholder value. Only when we're satisfied that a company has met our quality criteria will we consider price."
Across 31 offices in 24 countries, Aberdeen's investment process helps maximise the opportunity for profit and limits the potential downside - whether on equities, fixed-income, multiasset or property investments.
"Meticulously applying this process means we tend to minimise volatility, thereby providing a smoother return trajectory," Jollie says. "That's very important to investors."
With Australia relatively unscathed by the global financial crisis, Aberdeen has the fundamentals in place to capitalise on the country's projected growth.
"Our future revolves around a singular focus on asset management, a disciplined and transparent investment process, and experienced, well-resourced investment teams," Jollie says.
www.aberdeenasset.com.au
