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Results 501–550
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ASEANHow Different is it This Time?
by Kenneth Lowe of Matthews Asia,
ASEAN nations have recently seen increases in foreign ownership, and many show attractive demographics and the potential for strong economic growth. But with ASEAN nations having been a root cause and major casualty of crises past, investors may be asking: How sustainable is this? This month Kenneth Lowe, CFA, takes a look at how ASEAN got where it is today, and what challenges may still lie ahead.
Postcard from China
by Sherry Zhang of Matthews Asia,
While companies throughout China are dealing with the pressure of rising inflation and tightening macroeconomic policies, many are cautiously optimistic about continued (albeit moderated) growth. In addition, more and more are seeing a domestic focus on that growth, and the development and maturity of the local restaurant industry is one example. Chinas food services industry is estimated at US$350 billion and growing. Although the industry is still highly fragmented, more restaurant chains are being launched to deliver consistent, high quality and safe foods.
Postcard from Taiwan
by Lydia So of Matthews Asia,
On the surface of things, Taiwan indeed seems dwarfed by the glamour of some of its Asian counterparts. However, encouraging changes have been taking place since President Ma Yung-Jeou took office in 2008. These have included more relaxed restrictions on investments into China by Taiwanese companies, direct flights from China and, more recently, approved travel among individuals from China. In 2010, 1.6 million mainland Chinese tourists visited Taiwan, compared to just 81,000 in 2007. In related travel improvements, I was also encouraged to see ongoing renovations to the airport terminal.
Postcard from Japan: Beyond Energy Savings
by Kenichi Amaki of Matthews Asia,
Conservation measures helped lower peak electricity consumption by 18% compared to last year. The measures, along with a faster-than-expected upturn in thermal electricity generation capacity, helped Japan avoid any rolling blackouts this summer.And in early September, government restrictions on electricity usage were lifted. Given the public disapproval of Japanese power companies following the nuclear incidents this year, the time seems ripe for discourse over fullscale industry liberalization. Whether the equally unpopular Democratic Party of Japan can achieve that goal remains to be seen.
The Impact of Uncertainty
by Teresa Kong of Matthews Asia,
While markets act like toddlers over the short term, what are the key drivers over the long term? The impact of the European crisis on global growth will be the key determining factor on market performance. Small, open economies such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan will likely be more greatly impacted. Countries with domestic consumption as large drivers of GDP, China, Indonesia and India, might be relatively sheltered due to their relatively large internal markets. While risk aversion may cause markets to overreact in the short term, we believe long-term structural growth should continue.
Postcard from Thailand
by In-bok Song of Matthews Asia,
The Phue Thai (PT) Party led by Yingluck Shinawatra has already been voted into office, and various policies aimed at boosting domestic consumption have largely been expected. Changing consumption patterns that result from rising disposable income are likely to be pleasant challenges for Thai retailers. These challenges include finding the most complementary tenant mix and investing in information technology systems to monitor tenant sales and foot traffic. As always, we continue to research company fundamentals, but will note the efforts companies make in establishing long-term strategies.
China as an Asset Class
China's economic expansion over the last 30 years has allowed many enterprises to prosper. For a number of investors, Chinese stocks have also grown in importance. As modern capital markets have taken root in China, stock markets have become one of the primary channels for companies to raise capital. While China's capital market is still early in its development and has its own risks and challenges, the country is expected to continue to grow and increasingly influence world economies. For a variety of reasons, we believe China is emerging as an investment asset class in its own right.
APEC Forum Convenes
by Robert J. Horrocks of Matthews Asia,
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, representing 21 Pacific Rim countries, kicked off a summit this week in San Francisco. The summit will address issues including energy, transportation and womens economic participation in preparation for an APEC heads of state meeting in Hawaii this November. The topics being addressed during the summit are of great interest to those seeking to understand some of Asias long-term growth trends. Female participation in Asias labor force can be quite low.
Fast and Furious in India
by Sudarshan Murthy of Matthews Asia,
Indian social activist Anna Hazare recently generated bipartisan debate, waging a 12-day hunger strike to pressure the government to pass stringent anti-corruption laws. It ended with a government resolution to acknowledge his key demandsmost notably, the creation of an influential anti-corruption ombudsman. Mainstream political parties have also called for such an ombudsman, however, with more limited sway due to concerns that officials may not be able to function effectively if all decisions were to fall under the purview of an intermediary.
The Dilemma of the Yen
by Taizo Ishida of Matthews Asia,
Last month, Japan took steps to help its economy ride out the surge in the yen. What the market may be overlooking, however, is that thus far Japanese companies are managing relatively well under the new 80-yen regime. The most recent operating margins appear to be a bit higher than the historical average of 4.5%. Nobody can accurately predict where the yen will go from here, but its current strength is a double-edged sword. While it can make Japanese exports less competitive, the strong yen also boosts Japans purchasing power abroad.
Changing Times for China's Smaller Industries
by Winnie Phua of Matthews Asia,
Over the past three years, Chinas small and medium businessesparticularly export-oriented firmshave been through particularly choppy waters amid continued global economic weakness. However, the challenges they face today differ somewhat from those of the 2008 financial crisis. For starters, the former crisis brought about a meltdown across all China's small and medium enterprises (SMEs), regardless of their sector or business model. In todays environment, it is the SMEs with labor- and capital-intensive business models that are not faring as well.
The Slow Build-Out of True Democracy
by Jesper Madsen of Matthews Asia,
Long-term investors should care about not only the growth of Asian economies, but also the development of these societies as stability and transparency are generally rewarded with higher valuations. Implementing the rules of a democracy can happen with the stroke of a pen, but growing a true culture of democracy takes time. For Asian nations to find long-term stability, and capitalize on the regions impressive economic development to date, requires a focus on building out their soft infrastructure.
Another Look at China's Property Market and Financial System
by Robert J. Horrocks of Matthews Asia,
There continues to be much debate over whether Chinas growth is balanced and sustainable, and many observers will demand you side with one camp or the other: extremely bullish or bearish. This month, Chief Investment Officer Robert Horrocks, PhD, takes a more nuanced view in examining the drivers behind Chinas real estate market and evolving financial system.
Weekly Aisa Update
by Robert J. Horrocks of Matthews Asia,
Italys government bond yields have been spiking as investor concerns threaten to become self-fulfilling prophecies that raise the specter of default in Italy and dismemberment of the euro. While, China is stepping more than a little lightly on the monetary brakes, along with other countries across Asia, over fears that inflation is getting out of control. And the markets response is to push up the price of U.S. bonds and sell down equities across the globe. Obviously, slowing growth is of far greater concern to investors than the opinion of the rating agencies.
Striking Fiscal Balance in Indonesia
by Kenneth Lowe of Matthews Asia,
The first thing that most people will notice when they touch down in Jakarta is the almost overwhelming volume of traffic that turns what should be a fairly short ride from the airport to the city center into a two-hour epic journey. The Jakarta road network is bursting at the seams. And its not just roads that need investment. Indonesia is rich in terms of natural resources and, although reserves remain high, getting coal and petroleum products out of the ground at an efficient price has also proved a tricky task over the last decade.
Postcard from China
by Elizabeth Dong of Matthews Asia,
Chinas small companies are vibrant forces that are driving the countrys economy. Despite the challenges to investing in newer and unseasoned firms, small companies in China can present attractive long-term opportunities, and are increasingly playing a key role as China evolves as a service-oriented economy. On-the-ground research is a vital step in our investment and risk management process. This involves face-to-face visits with a firms staff to try to discern the health of a companys daily operations and the reliability of its managements claims.
Postcard from Vietnam
by Robert J. Horrocks of Matthews Asia,
Vietnam, may be something of an acquired taste for investors these days. It is going through its own trials and tribulations. The banking system is clearly stressed with very low levels of deposit growth, given recent nominal economic growth rates. This suggests a lack of confidence in the system after many years of high rates of credit growth. Symptoms of these strains can be seen in the high annual inflation rate of about 13%, a weak currency and borrowing rates of between 15% to 22%. I suspect that many smaller companies are also unable to get any access to capital.
China's New Generation of Entrepreneurs
by Lydia So of Matthews Asia,
As investors, we are presented with an expanding universe of small- and medium-sized entrepreneurial firms with innovative business models in China. At the same time, competitive pressures are also increasing with the growing presence of both domestic and international companies in the market. It has become increasingly critical to identify and differentiate companies with sustainable business models and viable long-term strategies.
Thailand's First Female Prime Minister
by Tarik Jaleel of Matthews Asia,
Phue Thai?s campaign, ?Thaksin Thinks, Phue Thai Acts? ran on a platform which tapped on Thaksin?s populist program for the rural poor. Thailand is one of Asia?s structurally polarized societies with divisions running along the lines of the affluent population in Bangkok and the South and the rural poor (often farmers) in the North. These divisions have been reinforced by one of the highest ratios of rural poverty in Asia. Although recent increases in agriculture commodity prices have led to a mini boom in the northern region, the income gap is still the widest in Southeast Asia.
Postcard from China
by Xin Jiang of Matthews Asia,
The machinery industry in China still lags that of Japan, Germany and the U.S. Different from the information technology sector, the machinery industry requires extensive resources, including mechanicals and electronics. The management of one Chinese machinery company has the ambition to become a global leader. While many other Chinese firms may share the same goal, what differentiates this company from others is that the management thoroughly understands not only the global competitive landscape, but also its own strengths and weaknesses.
Investing Up the Value Chain
by Mike Lin of Matthews Asia,
Investors may be well served to look up the value chain in other industries where products may be trendy or have short cycles. Given this, we recently met with a leading manufacturer of mobile phone speakers and receivers that commands about a 30% market share in a duopolistic industry. Seeking exposure to the growing mobile phone industry in this way reduces the difficulty of having to identify the next winning handset maker but still taps the growth in mobile handsets. While companies that supply world-class brands may not receive much fanfare, investing in these companies can make sense.
China Braces for Summer Power Shortages
by Henry Zhang of Matthews Asia,
China's power usage has grown along with the GDP. Overall power consumption rose by about 12% in the first four months of this year?in line with average growth rates. However, the availability of power is an increasing concern for some Chinese manufacturing companies. The issue is particularly serious for China's eastern and central regions during peak power consumption months. While there are a number of factors affecting power shortages, chief among them are government regulations. China is determined to become more energy efficient, and power shortages may spur efforts toward that goal.
RMB Liberalization ?What All the Excitement is About
by Kenneth Lowe of Matthews Asia,
Investors tend to be a fairly excitable bunch, always looking for the latest trends and themes to try to make a profit. But many trends have little relevance or impact over the longer term. During the past 12 months, one of those more ?exciting? topics that have been discussed is the initial stages of renminbi (RMB) liberalization in Hong Kong?a concept that allows foreigners to get their hands on, and trade in, Chinese currency for the first time. But how excited should long-term investors be? A roundtable discussion among Matthews? managers, on the same topic, is also included.
Postcard from China
by In-bok Song of Matthews Asia,
On my recent trip to China, one common focus I found among the companies I met with was product branding. Chinese firms have been swift to recognize more sophisticated consumer patterns, researching consumer segments for their varying preferences.
Renminbi Liberalization
by Kenneth Lowe of Matthews Asia,
As the U.S. economy continues to stutter, the rumblings of discontent from senior U.S. politicians over the Chinese government?s pegged exchange rate policy and closed capital account continue to garner momentum. But this is only one side of the story. One of the most important developments within Asian capital markets over the last 12 months has been the moves of the Chinese government to utilize the world financial center of Hong Kong in a bid to begin globalizing China?s currency, the renminbi.The most transformational of these steps is the allowance of foreigners to get their hands on RMB.
Inflation?Which Prices Aren't Changing
by Robert J. Horrocks of Matthews Asia,
Inflation has been one of the big buzzwords in Asia's markets this year. Wages, interest rates and prices for commodities, assets, goods and food have all been on the rise. The problem with much of the discussion is that it treats inflation in all these areas as though they were the same?a single phenomenon that is an unqualified evil. In my view, not enough has been done to distinguish between cause and symptom. Perhaps this is because when one does try to distinguish between cause and symptom, the topic of inflation becomes much more complex.
Common Misperceptions about Asian Investing
by Robert J. Horrocks of Matthews Asia,
During my recent travels and meetings with investors around the world, I have found that interest in Asia is abundant. But what has struck me most is that certain perceptions about investing in Asia permeate regardless of whether we speak with investors in Europe, the U.S. or even Asia itself. I find this an opportune time to address three of the common "misperceptions" about investing in the region. 1: The best way to invest in Asia is by investing in multinational companies 2: To invest in Asia, I must accept higher valuations and 3: When investing in Asia, market timing is very important.
Postcard from Vietnam
by Teresa Kong of Matthews Asia,
The use of both the U.S. dollar and Vietnam?s currency, the dong, is widespread in Vietnam. Just as easily as you might pay for a new pair of jeans with cash or with credit in the U.S., you could do so in either dong or dollar in Vietnam. Over the last two decades, currency depreciation, in combination with bouts of hyperinflation, has led to Vietnam?s use of the U.S. dollar and gold as primary stores of wealth. Unlike China, which has experienced appreciation relative to the U.S. dollar over the last two decades, Vietnam has seen a drastic depreciation of its currency over the same period.
Postcard from Taiwan
by Winnie Phua of Matthews Asia,
Taiwan?s economy has been known for its strength in technology-related hardware manufacturing. An intricate network of vendor and supplier relationships, coupled with a relentless discipline to be cost-efficient, has allowed Taiwan to spearhead the global growth of the hardware supply chain. While that has provided growth in past decades, Taiwan faces new challenges for sustainable economic growth. While Taiwan is unlikely to surpass Hong Kong's in tourism anytime soon, it is encouraging to see the amount of economic activity that Taiwan could possibly derive from attracting more tourists.
Comparing Korea and Taiwan
by Michael Han of Matthews Asia,
On a research trip to South Korea and Taiwan, I had the chance to compare the social, cultural and economic characteristics in both countries. Both enjoy educated workforces and a similar per capita GDP of about US$20,000 though South Korea?s population (50 million) is double Taiwan's. Both face challenges of low birth rates and a aging society. They also share similar economic development models, which focus on exports and specific industries. One key difference, however, is that Taiwan?s economy has been led by strong small and medium-sized enterprises while Korea?s large conglomerates.
China's New Prescription
by Elizabeth Dong of Matthews Asia,
China?s health care reform has seen positive changes to the industry since the government announced its US$125 billion health care reform plan in 2009. One major change has involved improvements to the intellectual property protection for new pharmaceutical products, which are broadly defined as drugs that have never been marketed in China, including ?first-to-market? generics. Demand is strong for generic drugs in China and account for 70% of all drugs prescribed. A new breed of smaller and medium-size pharmaceutical firms have become specialty players in ?first-to-market? generics.
Postcard from Surabaya, Indonesia
by Xin Jiang of Matthews Asia,
While many of my colleagues have experience working through Indonesia?s economic cycles, I recently made my first trip there. During past research assignments related to Japan, I have noted Indonesia?s increasing importance in the Asian economy. For instance, its natural resources aided the sales of Japanese mining equipment makers and this arguably led those Japanese firms to climb out of the recent global recession earlier than their U.S. competitors. About 70% of Indonesia?s landmass is occupied by rainforest, and the country is the largest exporter of thermal coal and natural gas.
Powering Up Asia
by Team of Matthews Asia,
Energy is a fundamental building block of all modern economies. As such, it should not be an overstatement to say that the availability, or lack of energy has been a primary driver of growth. This is why it has been imperative for all nations, to secure stable sources of energy. With Japan?s current nuclear crisis and high oil prices causing concern, the topic has drawn recent attention. And as Asia's population continues to climb, the region?s energy demands are also set to soar. China and India, are expected to develop ever greater appetites for energy sources, such as nuclear power.
Postcard from Indonesia
by Lydia So of Matthews Asia,
During a recent research trip to Southeast Asia, I spent time meeting management teams in Bangkok, Jakarta, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. I always find it valuable to be able to compare growth opportunities and challenges facing various industries and companies within the region while I am on the ground. Compared to a decade ago, these Southeast Asian cities have all developed relatively high levels of urbanization, affording residents and visitors the modern comforts and conveniences of such things as public transportation, financial services and easy access to fast food chains.
Postcard from China
by Henry Zhang of Matthews Asia,
During my recent company visits in China, management discussions continued to include the topics of wage inflation and manufacturing labor shortages. As we have previously written, the phenomenon of rising wages for a declining young generation is expected to last into the foreseeable future and should profoundly impact China.
Barbie's Lesson from Shanghai
by Winnie Phua of Matthews Asia,
Mattel?s Barbie store in Shanghai closed March 7, 2011. The sudden closure of the Barbie store left many baffled. The U.S. toy maker has stated that it is reorganizing its China strategy. Others, however, argue that the store is closing because Barbie?s classic western appeal has not caught on in China where girls tend to prefer cute animated characters, such as Hello Kitty, over a womanly life-like doll. Barbie?s price point (US$15 to US$30) has also been criticized as too high, particularly for a toy with limited brand recognition or nostalgic factor for parents who hold the purse strings.
Japan Update
by Team of Matthews Asia,
As reports of Japan?s nuclear crisis grew bleaker this week, Japan and the world continued to grapple with one of the country?s worst natural disasters. While fears are high, thus far, elevated radiation readings have not been recorded outside the government-imposed exclusion zone around the nuclear plant in Fukushima.
Japan: In the Face of Tragedy
by Kenichi Amaki of Matthews Asia,
On Friday March 11, 2011, the largest earthquake on record in Japanese history struck northeastern Japan. A devastating tsunami followed with 30 foot waves swallowing entire cities across the Pacific coastline. The full scope of the damage is still unknown, though the confirmed death toll has already exceeded 1,600, and is expected to rise significantly. Several cities and villages remain completely isolated, accessible only by helicopter. I was on a flight over the Pacific heading into Tokyo when all of this was happening. Passengers were informed of the tragedy an hour before landing.
Cross Selling in Asia
by Michael Oh of Matthews Asia,
I recently spent about two weeks in Asia, primarily visiting technology-related companies in Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo. It was nice to be able to contrast these firms in the context of the three capital cities?each at distinctively different stages of their development. Even the difference in air quality levels was visibly evident. While traffic in Beijing wasn?t as bad as I had feared following the recent lunar holiday, it was obvious that China?s automobile culture has taken off, and air quality has suffered as a result. Japan, on the other hand, seemed the most orderly and clean.
Searching for Growth in Asia
by Taizo Ishida of Matthews Asia,
There are many ways one might define ?growth? and go about uncovering it. There are a few key elements I look for: main drivers of growth, sustainability and scope of growth, and market expectations. Many global investors today are seduced by the last several years of strong stock performance in China and India, fueled by robust economic growth. However, economic growth alone does not guarantee good stock performance. In fact, many studies argue that, historically, there has been little correlation between stock market performance and economic growth.
Malaysia's Deregulation Train
by Kenneth Lowe of Matthews Asia,
After touching down in Malaysia last week, I was greeted with the less-than-welcoming sight of an apparently never-ending immigration line. As I progressed toward the front of the line, I began to realize the structural source of the problem?only two staff members were manning immigration booths for hundreds of passengers coming off a number of different flights. Although clearly a minor grievance, it did serve as a strong metaphor for the constraints and inefficiencies that foreigners still face when doing business in Malaysia
Inflation: Coming to a Store Near You
by Jesper Madsen of Matthews Asia,
During the past decade, consumers (and central bankers) in developed economies have grown accustomed to the cost benefits of outsourcing their manufacturing to Asia. This resulted in lower prices at the cash register, which in effect gave households in the U.S. greater purchasing power. The outsourced manufacturing model has historically hinged upon the availability of relatively cheap labor, undervalued currencies, access to preferential tax treatments and ongoing improvements in productivity. However, it has become apparent that this model may be under some strain.
Love, Marriage and Housing
by Teresa Kong of Matthews Asia,
Imagine the United States in the early 1920s. Henry Ford had just developed the moving assembly line to build the Model T, leading to an era of rapid growth in the automobile industry. This further stimulated industries such as oil, glass and road building. Tourism soared and consumers with cars had a much wider radius for shopping. Many people abandoned agriculture to seek new opportunities in fast-growing cities. During these ?Roaring Twenties,? the construction of urban offices, factories and homes were booming and new buildings sprouted up everywhere.
Foreign Investments in India
by Sunil Asnani of Matthews Asia,
Foreign investment plays a significant role in India?s economic growth, which has historically been constrained by supply factors, and most notably, the availability of capital. Domestic savings in India have risen, but high government deficits still don?t leave enough for the private sector. The result has been a vicious cycle in which the high cost of capital prevents many businesses from flourishing, which further limits India?s capacity for capital formation. Let us examine the ways in which India can use foreign capital to emerge from this low-growth equilibrium.
The Many Faces of Inflation
by Robert J. Horrocks of Matthews Asia,
Asian markets have gotten off to a rocky start in 2011, and inflation appears to be among the chief culprits. Many seem to be treating inflation as a single phenomenon with similar effects everywhere. In truth, the effects of inflation on different countries can be quite distinct and in some cases quite positive. We can get an idea of how inflation impacts different countries in a different way by looking at four big economies dominating the Asian investment scene at the moment: China, India, Japan, and the U.S.
Postcard from Taiwan
by Mike Lin of Matthews Asia,
To help manufacturers with factories in China cope in an environment of rising wages, labor shortages and a rising renminbi, one leading Chinese industrial automation device producer we spoke with described a trend of investments in industrial automation to reduce the reliance on labor and boost profitability. Furthermore, Chinese manufacturers will need to shift from business models based purely on pricing, and evolve into producers of higher margin, value-added products. We believe this trend should benefit not only Chinese automation firms but also automation companies abroad.
India's Inflation Worries
by Sunil Asnani of Matthews Asia,
While developed nations are now craving a bit of inflation, emerging markets such as India regard inflation as their formidable enemy. Ironically, a small dose of inflation can actually indicate unmet demand that could incentivize production and catalyze economic growth in one situation, while a little excess inflation can erode purchasing power in another. In India?s case, where the majority of its vast middle class is skewed toward the poverty line, high and sustained rates of inflation can dampen real growth and widen economic disparity.
China's U.S. State Visit
by Robert J. Horrocks of Matthews Asia,
The analysis surrounding Chinese President Hu Jintao?s trip to Washington has so far focused on the subdued tone of the visit, the lack of major policy initiatives and the reverence for vague ideas such as harmony. The obvious conclusion is that President Obama and President Hu don?t have much to talk about. Perhaps this is unfair.
A Market Story
by Robert J. Horrocks of Matthews Asia,
It is not the headline rates of growth in Asia that excite me?it?s the profit-making opportunities within those economies that are necessary to sustain reasonable rates of growth and support the changing lifestyles of Asian households. And that, I hope, is a sentiment with which both the old and the reformed Scrooge might embrace.
Results 501–550
of 604 found.
