EM bond and equity funds surge in popularity
From News Feb 13 2012 BY: Esther Armstrong
, Senior Reporter
, Portfolio Adviser
Emerging Market bond funds saw record inflows in the first week of February, as their equity counterparts also witnessed continued favour with investors, according to EPFR Global.
EM bond funds pulled in $2.14bn in the week to 8 February, while EM equity funds set a new 68-week high of $5.8bn in inflows.
This took year-to-date inflows up to $3.8bn and $17bn respectively, compared to $2.7bn and $11.4bn for the same period last year.
In keeping with the increased risk sentiment, high yield bond funds also posted their second highest weekly inflow on record and Europe equity funds had their best week in nearly six months.
Overall, EPFR Global-tracked equity funds absorbed $9.83bn in the week, while bond funds took in more than $6bn.
Investors still preferred to hedge their risk, however, buying into funds with diversified exposure, meaning GEM, Asia ex-Japan, Latin America and EMEA equity funds saw solid inflows.