Research Note | Omicron: The catalyst for more volatilityKey Highlights Markets have reacted strongly to the new Omicron threat Factors beyond Omicron may be behind current market volatility Investors should be prepared for larger volatility bands in the coming weeks and months Stocks dived...Over the past few days, Investors have watched the global markets panic, rebound, then panic afresh, as new details emerge on the Omicron coronavirus variant.Friday last week saw US and European markets tumble as news started to flow in about the emergence of Omicron cases, first reported by South Africa to the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 24 November, 2021. While there have been other variants, this one has a large number of mutations, and appears to be highly transmissible. Omicron’s higher ra

2021 Wrap Up: A Year Of Sustained Economic RecoveryAfter an unprecedented 2020, we ask Anthony Raza,Senior Director and Head of Multi-Asset Strategy, whether 2021 unfolded in line with expectations and what, if any, were the lessons learntTony, what were your thoughts as we entered 2021?I would say that my overwhelming feeling was one of relief that vaccine programmes were underway in many countries, albeit some faster than others. Where global equity markets were concerned, they had already been gradually recovering from the pandemic shock. In fact, by the start of 2021, the MSCI ACWI had regained all its lost ground and more. Given that the pandemic was still present in many countries, was this optimism justified?Yes, I think so. Looking at the fundamentals, it was clear to us that globa

What should I know about REITs investingLow Soo Fang, from UOBAM’s Asia Equities Team, answers your questions on REITs investments going into 20221. Which types of investors may want to consider REITs?A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that invests in a pool of real estate assets. These assets generate revenue by collecting rent. About 90 percent of the profit, net of manager fees and other expenses, is then paid out to REIT unit holders on a regular basis.So REIT investments are suited for those seeking sustainable and regular income that is potentially higher than bank interest rates or most regional government bonds. REITs are traded on the stock exchange so their unit prices can fluctuate based on market factors. This means REITs unit holders can also e

Investment Opportunities Prevail As Singapore Goes Green Singapore companies are global leaders in the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) space Singapore’s Green Plan is helping to drive new business opportunities across many companies and sectors The key ESG sectors in Singapore ranges from energy and waste treatment to food and finance A Green National AgendaSustainability has long been a central part of Singapore’s development strategy. The country unveiled its first-ever Green Plan in 1992 and its latest in February this year (2021). The Singapore Green Plan 2030 sets ambitious targets to peak carbon dioxide emissions at 65 million tonnes by 2030 and halve emissions to 33 million tonnes by 2050.To do this, Singapore is committed to using cleaner forms of fossil fuels in the sho

With the green momentum gaining traction, individuals are increasingly integrating eco-friendly practices in their lives. Besides reducing the use of single-use plastics and switching to renewable energy, you can also contribute towards the global sustainable development goals through sustainable investing.Sustainability: Getting Started | UOB Asset Management$United Smart Sustainable Singapore Bond A Acc SGD-H(SGXZ18977330)$  $United Smart Sustainable Singapore Bond A Dis SGD-H(SGXZ87949350)$ 

China – Synonymous With InnovationKey highlights China punches above its weight in terms of innovation and there are indications that China’s innovative streak is strengthening. In addition to household names such as Huawei and Tencent, Chinese substantial global reach in innovations extends to batteries for new-energy vehicles (NEVs) and photovoltaic & solar cells in sustainable energy applications. China will continue to climb the innovation ladder due to an increase in research and development (R&D) expenditure under the latest Five-Year Plan. Investor access to Chinese listed companies will increase with a rise in weightage of China A-shares in major indices over the next few years. China’s ranking in the Global Innovation Index has risen from the 35th spot in 2013 to 14th in 2