Public Mutual launches Asean, China funds

KUALA LUMPUR: Public Mutual has launched two funds which will provide investors exposure to the growing Asean and China markets.

Public Mutual, a unit of Public Bank, said the new funds are the Public Asean Growth Fund (PASGF) and Public Greater China Fund (PGCF).
 
PASGF's target is capital growth over the medium- to long-term by investing in a diversified portfolio of blue chip, index and growth stocks in Asean markets. 

Public Mutual CEO Yeoh Kim Hong said PASGF is well-positioned to benefit from the economic growth of Asean.

The fund may invest up to 98% of its net asset value (NAV) in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and other permitted markets.

The positive factors are Asean's rapid urbanisation, favourable population dynamics and relatively young labour force.

All these will underpin Asean's economic performance in the years ahead. 

Yeoh said equity markets in Asean are expected to benefit from the robust economic outlook, improved corporate earnings growth, accommodative monetary policies and currency strength amid a weakening US dollar. 

As for the Greater China fund, its objective is to ride on the rise of the vibrant Greater China markets. Its will provide investors the opportunity to participate in the long-term growth potential of the region. 

The fund invests in a diversified portfolio of blue chip, index and growth stocks primarily in the China, Hong Kong and Taiwan markets, as well as China-based companies listed on overseas markets.

“To achieve capital growth, PGCF will invest 75% to 98% of its NAV in equities, with the balance invested in fixed income securities and liquid assets. 

“Unlike our other China focused equity funds, this Fund may invest up to 25% of its NAV in other regional and global markets outside of the Greater China region which allows the Fund to benefit from diversification,” Yeoh said.

The initial issue price for both funds is 25 sen per unit during the 21-day initial offer period from Oct 26 to Nov 15, 2017. 

The minimum initial investment amount is RM1,000 while the minimum additional investment amount is only RM100. 

Investors who purchase units of the funds during the initial offer period can enjoy a promotional sales charge of 5% of the NAV per unit.