The Asian sea change

After years of strong growth, Asian market yields are now comparable with the dividend yields of developed Western markets - reflecting the region's growing economic maturity

In the past, many investors would not automatically look to Asia - a region more synonymous with growth - when seeking out yields. But this is no longer the case, with many high-quality companies in the region now offering a realistic and sustainable source of yields. With markets becoming increasingly capricious, as earnings uncertainty has increased, a focus on income can have the benefit of reducing a fund's volatility - particularly pertinent for Asia. The trend towards greater dividend payout partly reflects Asia's growing economic maturity. There has certainly been a sea change over...