Asia plays catch up with the West

far east equities

The Asian economies have generally had stronger GDP growth than the US over the past 15 years but stock market performance has lagged. However, improved corporate governance should see the region catch up in coming years

Asia's economies and stock markets have enjoyed a strong start to the New Year, continuing from where they left off at the end of 2003. Economic and earnings newsflow in January and February has been positive. Full-year results have generally been ahead of analysts' expectations leading to forecasts for both this year and 2005 being revised up. Global investors have continued to rediscover Asia and have increased their weightings to the region through their global, GEM, regional and country funds. Fund flow statistics provided by Nomura Global Quantitative Research, reveal a net inflow ...