Actively-managed and award-winning Singapore equity portfolio that seeks to maximise medium to long term capital appreciation by investing in equities listed in Singapore.
Our actively-managed Singapore equity strategy was incepted in 1987 and is an award-winning1 strategy that seeks to maximise medium to long term capital appreciation by investing primarily in equities listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (SGX-ST). The strategy targets to generate returns by employing our rigorous investment process that is based on a distinctive investment philosophy at its core, a time-tested Research and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) analysis framework as well as a strong working relationship within the Asian Equity team. The diversity of backgrounds and perspectives have led to dynamism in idea generation and team debate that culminate in the construction of a concentrated portfolio of 30 to 40 investment ideas for our investors.
Another differentiated feature of our investment process lies in the Detailed Fundamental Research where two key components of Change and Sustainable Returns form the basis of the research analysis. The subfactors within these two research pillars are tailored to Asian markets whereby market and company developments can often drive substantial and rapid changes in the companies we invest in. This disciplined research approach is consistently applied to companies to ascertain their relative attractions within a single market and/or across the Asia region.
For more details on our investment philosophy, Research and ESG framework and investment team, please visit the Asia ex Japan Equity Strategy page.
'New Singapore' stocks, which represent the future economy of Singapore, embody innovation, integration and sustainability. These are companies that are reinventing or reorganising their business models to succeed and be more relevant in the future economic landscape. This brings opportunities, particularly where the companies explore inorganic growth activities. 'New Singapore' companies may be in sectors such as technology, data centres, healthcare, logistics, tourism and consumer services, most of which focus on the service eco-system2 .
The country's robust financial regulations, a business-friendly environment and sound political stability provide a high degree of predictability for businesses operating here and anchor investor confidence over the long run. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit (as of 10 April 2020), Singapore is the best country in the world for business from 2020 to 2024. Singapore is also the only Asian country that has the highest AAA credit rating awarded by all 3 major credit rating agencies (based on Fitch, Moody's and S&P Rating, 31 March 2022)3.
Firms listed on the local stock exchange are subject to stringent reporting and auditing standards. Listed firms are subject to continuous disclosure requirements on material developments and key areas of concern, in addition to publishing a sustainability report yearly from the financial year commencing 2022.
The investment team for the Singapore equity strategy has deep research experience and has worked together with a well-honed investment process that is time-tested over different market cycles. The two co-lead managers have a combined experience of over 45 years, complementary styles and understand the nuances of investing in the local market.
Fundamental research is at the core of its belief where ESG analysis is integrated into the investment process. There is active debate in team meetings that challenges market consensus and generates stock ideas that are not easily identifiable through general screening techniques.
The team is focused on constructing concentrated portfolios to best express the strongest convictions in the portfolio. Emphasis is on active share and deviation from the benchmark to best add value for investors. Portfolios are built bottom up, and normally contain 30 to 40 holdings.
1 See list of Awards for both Singapore Dividend Equity Fund and the Nikko AM Shenton Thrift Fund, which are amongst the representative funds of the strategy. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance.
2 References to particular sectors are for illustrative purposes only and are not recommendations.
3 Source: Bloomberg, 31 March 2022
Alternatively, investors can also choose our Singapore Dividend equity strategy, which has a dividend bias. Equities offering sustainable dividend payments with long term capital appreciation potential will be emphasized, which are broadly categorised as Dividend Anchors and Dividend Growers.
Dividend expectations for Singapore corporates continue to remain more resilient than earnings estimates, which is a testament to the quality of underlying earnings, cash flows and balance sheets. Since 2010, reinvested dividends had offered additional alpha and enhanced the returns for the STI by more than 50% as shown below on a cumulative basis (annualised returns of the STI since 2010 to March 2022 is more than 4% p.a.).
In a low interest-rate environment, where decent yields are hard to come by, stocks that pay an attractive and predictable dividend yield will continue to be in strong demand with yield-hungry investors.
Reinvested Dividends Enhanced STI Returns Since 2010
Source: Bloomberg, March 2022. Returns are shown on a cumulative basis. Annualised returns of the STI since 2010 to March 2022 is more than 4% p.a.
Any forecast or past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance.
The funds mentioned are Singapore registered funds approved for sale or purchase in Singapore. By proceeding, you are representing and warranting that you are either resident in Singapore or the applicable laws and regulations of your jurisdiction allow you to access the information.
The information on this website is not intended to be an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell any product or service to any person in any jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the laws of such jurisdiction.
This website may contain links to the website of certain overseas affiliates of Nikko Asset Management Asia Limited (“Nikko AM Asia”). However, providing such links should not be considered as offering or solicitation by Nikko AM Asia of any product or service of its affiliates to any person.
This website is purely for informational purposes only with no consideration given to the specific investment objective, financial situation and particular needs of any specific person. It should not be relied upon as financial advice. The mention of individual securities, sectors, regions or countries within this website are for illustration purposes only and does not imply a recommendation to buy or sell. You should seek advice from a financial adviser before making any investment. In the event that you choose not to do so, you should consider whether the investment selected is suitable for you. Investments in funds are not deposits in, obligations of, or guaranteed or insured by Nikko AM Asia.
Past performance or any prediction, projection or forecast is not indicative of future performance. The Funds or any underlying funds may use or invest in financial derivative instruments. The value of units and income from them may fall or rise. Investments in the Funds are subject to investment risks, including the possible loss of principal amount invested. You should read the relevant prospectus (including the risk warnings) and product highlights sheet of the Funds, which are available and may be obtained from appointed distributors of Nikko AM Asia or our website (www.nikkoam.com.sg) before deciding whether to invest in the Funds.
The information contained herein may not be copied, reproduced or redistributed without the express consent of Nikko AM Asia. While reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information as at the date of publication, Nikko AM Asia does not give any warranty or representation, either express or implied, and expressly disclaims liability for any errors or omissions. Information may be subject to change without notice. Nikko AM Asia accepts no liability for any loss, indirect or consequential damages, arising from any use of or reliance on this website.
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