KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Asset Management Sdn. Bhd. (“RHBAM”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of RHB Investment Bank Berhad, has introduced its enhanced Asian Income Strategy, comprising the RHB Asian Income Fund, RHB Asian Income Fund-SGD, and RHB Asian Income Fund – Multi Currencies (collectively, “RHB Asian Income Funds”). This enhancement reflects a key evolution of RHBAM’s flagship product, which has delivered consistent performance for over 12 years.
The RHB Asian Income Funds invest in the Schroder Asian Income Fund (“Target Fund”), managed by Schroders Singapore (“Schroders”). The Target Fund offers a more dynamic asset allocation strategy, expanding its investment focus to include global and alternative assets beyond Asian multi-asset investments. This broader diversification empowers Malaysian investors to explore global growth opportunities while benefiting from stable income and capital appreciation over the medium to long term.
Key Enhancements:
- Flexible Income Distribution: Now with monthly payouts, targeting a higher distribution of 6% to 6.5% per annum, up from the previous 4% to 4.5% per annum.
- Broadened Investment Scope: Access to global and alternative assets enhances potential returns.
- Balanced Approach: Focused on income generation and capital growth, offering stability in volatile markets.
These changes align with the current economic climate, characterized by easing monetary policies and low interest rates, which have brought dividends back into focus. Additionally, ongoing corporate reforms in Asian markets are expected to bolster investor confidence and deliver favorable dividend outcomes in the medium term.
The enhanced strategy also taps into emerging global growth themes such as artificial intelligence, offering investors exposure to high-quality companies poised to benefit from these trends.
Accessible and Diversified Investment Opportunities
The RHB Asian Income Fund is available to retail investors with a minimum investment of just RM100, ensuring broader accessibility to this diversified income and growth strategy.
RHBAM offers a wide range of investment products, including unit trust funds, wholesale funds, private retirement schemes, and private mandates for both retail and sophisticated investors. Its offerings include conventional and Shariah-compliant products, along with sustainability-focused and thematic strategies. With assets under management (AUM) exceeding RM50 billion, RHBAM distributes its products via Institutional Unit Trust Agents (IUTAs), Corporate Unit Trust Agents (CUTAs), its agency force, and the RHBAM MyInvest online portal. Investors can explore the RHB Asian Income Funds at www.rhbgroup.com/myinvest.
Leadership Perspectives
Chze How Ng, Managing Director and CEO of RHB Asset Management, commented:
“At RHB Asset Management, we remain committed to offering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients. The enhanced Asian Income strategy provides both income and capital growth, especially during volatile market cycles. We are confident it will be an essential component in every investor’s portfolio. Our 12-year partnership with Schroders strengthens our ability to navigate today’s dynamic investment landscape.”
Lily Choh, Head of South Asia and CEO of Schroders Singapore, added:
“As we navigate an era of transformative change, we are excited to collaborate with RHB Asset Management on this enhanced strategy. Asia’s growing influence and pivotal trends present unique opportunities. Combining regional expertise with a global outlook, we aim to deliver income stability while unlocking future growth potential, making this fund an ideal solution for investors looking to invest with confidence.”
