Midyear Outlook: Navigating the Headwinds and Tailwinds in Asian Markets – Matthews Asia – 7.13.21

Summary:

Now On Demand. The lifting of COVID restrictions, a more widespread vaccine rollout and an improving global economy as demand strengthens have delivered powerful tailwinds to the markets, but investors still have a winding path to navigate in this post-pandemic world. Even though Asian equity markets started the year on a strong note, inflationary fears triggered a rotation among Asian equities from growth stocks toward more value-oriented stocks. In today’s environment, what are the countries, sectors and businesses that we believe will drive sustainable growth and why may global investors want to consider welcoming inflation? On this webcast, Chief Investment Officer Robert Horrocks, PhD, Investment Strategist Andy Rothman and Portfolio Manager Joyce Li will review:

• A macroeconomic view of Asian markets
• How inflation is influencing market movements and its impact to this region
• Investor concerns about investing in China and why the region remains attractive
• The importance of a dividend strategy that blends growth and value in today’s environment
• Thematic investment opportunities that investors should consider now

Speakers:

Robert Horrocks is Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager at Matthews Asia and has been a Matthews Asia Funds Trustee since 2018. He manages the firm’s Asian Growth and Income Strategy and co-manages the Asia Dividend and Asia ex Japan Dividend Strategies. As Chief Investment Officer, Robert oversees the firm’s investment process and investment professionals and sets the research agenda for the investment team. Before joining Matthews Asia in 2008, Robert was Head of Research at Mirae Asset Management in Hong Kong. From 2003 to 2006, Robert served as Chief Investment Officer for Everbright Pramerica in China, establishing its quantitative investment process. He started his career as a Research Analyst with WI Carr Securities in Hong Kong before moving on to spend eight years working in several different Asian jurisdictions for Schroders, including stints as Country General Manager in Taiwan, Deputy Chief Investment Officer in Korea and Designated Chief Investment Officer in Shanghai. Robert earned his PhD in Chinese Economic History from Leeds University in the United Kingdom, and is fluent in Mandarin.

Andy Rothman is an Investment Strategist at Matthews Asia. He is principally responsible for developing research focused on China’s ongoing economic and political developments while also complementing the broader investment team with in-depth analysis on Asia. In addition, Andy plays a key role in communicating to clients and the media the firm’s perspectives and latest insights into China and the greater Asia region. Prior to joining Matthews Asia in 2014, Andy spent 14 years as CLSA’s China macroeconomic strategist where he conducted analysis into China and delivered his insights to their clients. Previously, Andy spent 17 years in the U.S. Foreign Service, with a diplomatic career focused on China, including as head of the macroeconomics and domestic policy office of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. In total, Andy has lived and worked in China for more than 20 years. He earned an M.A. in public administration from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and a B.A. from Colgate University. He is a proficient Mandarin speaker.

S. Joyce Li is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews Asia and co-manages the firm’s China Dividend, Asia ex Japan Dividend, and Asia Dividend Strategies. Prior to joining the firm in 2016, she was a Portfolio Manager and Principal at Marvin & Palmer Associates, where she co-managed equity investments in the Asia Pacific markets between 2007 and 2016. Joyce started her investment career as a Senior Investment Associate at Wilmington Trust. Joyce received an MBA with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Virginia. She is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese.