Welcome to the bold new world of investing, where the heavyweights of the Thai financial scene are riding the waves of change like seasoned surfers in the shimmering waters of change. As far as investors in the Land of Smiles go, nearly ninety percent are sounding the gongs and proclaiming a new epoch—one where the capricious forces of inflation and interest rates rear their heads and redefine the game.
Flashback to last year, and you’d have witnessed a sea of hopeful faces betting their bottom dollar on a quick return to the cushy norm of low inflation and subterranean rates. Fast forward to today, and it’s a whole different ball game—70% of Thai investors are playing a sleek new tune, revamping their strategies to match the rhythm of the times, with a tactful third eyeing that route on the horizon.
Dig a little deeper into this mosaic of investor profiles and you’ll find the so-called ‘experts’—sharp as tacks, adapting at the speed of light with a whooping 86% already a step ahead. Conversely, the beginners, sweetly naïve in their budding financial romance, are somewhat lagging behind, with 38% yet to catch the beat.
Let’s not gloss over the delectable buffet of investments knocking on Thai doors. We’re talking about the enticing world of actively managed investments and mutual funds—55% of Thai connoisseurs eyeing up the wholesome slice on the platter. And hold your hats, folks, because digital assets and cryptocurrencies are luring in 54% and 53% respectively. Are we in the digital gold rush or what?
Here’s the kicker: Thai investors are a sunny lot. An overwhelming 90% are nurturing rosy visions of returns, unfazed by the storm clouds, believing that their harvest will match or outdo the bounty of yesteryear. Among the financial elite, a measly 2% are the naysayers expecting a dip in the treasure chest next year.
And when it comes to dreams, Thai investors aim high with aspirations of a 13.51% annual return, trumping the global average as if it were child’s play. It’s a striking contradiction to the MSCI World Index’s more modest stride.
Johanna Kyrklund, wielding the scepter as Schroders’ Group CIO comes forth with wisdom:
“Adjusting to the haunts of higher inflation and rates is like mastering the art of calligraphy; intricate and demanding. Every asset is stretching and preening to look appealing beside the good ol’ bank yield. It’s a valuation tango and to keep in step, nimbleness and vigor in investment strategies are your best dance partners.”
Let’s whisk away to the domain of private assets, and we’ll find it’s not just the realm of the high-rollers anymore. While 66% of Thai investors are yearning for more wisdom in the matter, indicating a hunger for knowledge, there’s a measure of hesitance when it comes to navigating the less liquid channels of private assets.
Yet the intrigue persists as Thai investors, on average, show a terpsichorean eagerness to tuck a generous 17.29% of their wealth into the coves of private investments. Here the ‘experts’ take the lead once more, with an adventurous 25.4% of their cache lined up to play in the private equity realms.
Looking under the hood of these investments, private equity is shimmering like a star, wooing a robust 34% of attention, followed by infrastructure and the beaming promise of renewable energy, while real estate doesn’t fall far behind.
Thai investors aren’t shy about broadcasting their motives either; a whopping 65% salivate at the boost to portfolio performance and 59% at the diversification ballet that private assets pirouette so well.
Nils Rode, the maestro at Schroders Capital, adds:
“The private asset symphony is welcoming smaller investors to its orchestra, and the crescendo is just ahead. With a vast landscape of opportunities and a treasure trove of return drivers, the future beat of investment may well have a private asset drumline.”
The sustainable investment show is gaining steam, with Thai investors dancing to the tune of aligning investments with their heart’s desires, and eagerly grasping the potential to churn out positive environmental juju.
Almost half believe sustainable funds aren’t just about feeling good—they’re likely to fatten the piggy bank much better than traditional funds.
Andy Howard of Schroders strums a final note, “Active ownership is in vogue, with investors nudging companies towards greener, healthier business stories. As the challenges mount, so does the resolve of Thai investors to steer the corporate ships towards sustainable harbors.”
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