BlackRock launches first Asian equities fund for UK market

BlackRock has launched its first UK domiciled fund investing in Asian equities for manager Andrew Swan, head of its Asian fundamental equities team.

The BlackRock Asia fund will replicate the investment strategy of the offshore BGF Asian Dragon fund run by the same manager. Investing in between 50-80 companies domiciled or operating in Asia excluding Japan, it will focus on valuations and earnings potential with the flexibility to look beyond large caps. Jeremy Roberts, head of UK retail sales said: "In contrast to some other funds, the [fund's] flexible approach enables the team to identify the region's ‘winners of tomorrow', particularly amongst mid-cap and off-benchmark companies. "The Asia Pacific region has proved to be a ...