After a Bumper Year, What Next for Emerging Markets?

Investors in emerging markets have had a rough ride in recent years, but the outperformance of China and technology stocks could be a cause for optimism

Ben Johnson 15 December, 2017 | 10:01AM
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Emerging markets stocks make up 12% of the global stock market. Thirty years ago, these stocks represented less than 1% of the world’s investable equity market capitalisation. These markets are dynamic and have changed dramatically in the past three decades, and the pace of change has only accelerated in recent years.  What has driven their performance in recent years and how will their makeup evolve in the future?

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index was launched on January 1, 2001. From its inception to the end of September 2017, the index posted annualised gains of 9.89%, versus 4.99% for its developed markets counterpart, the MSCI World Index. Though these figures are compelling, they mask the gut-wrenching volatility that has characterised this 16-year time period.

Emerging Markets Bounce Back in 2017

The years between 2010 and 2016 have been particularly taxing for investors in emerging markets stocks, with indices falling over 1% on an annualised basis, versus a gain of over 8% for developed markets.

But after almost seven lean years, emerging markets equities have re-emerged in 2017. For the year to date to the end of September, the emerging markets index increased 27.8%, while its developed markets counterpart rose 16%.

The success of a pair of Chinese tech giants, Tencent (00700) and Alibaba (BABA) are a sign of the changing face of emerging markets; in contrast, commodity and Brazilian stocks have struggled in recent years. 

The tech-led stock rally is not a US  phenom­enon; emerging markets are participating, too. The transition from a portfolio dominated by basic mate­rials and energy giants to one led by emerging titans of technology has marked the most recent evolution of emerging stock markets, but what might come next?

China Moves to Centre-Stage

MSCI’s decision to include China A-shares in the index is recognition of the significant strides China has made toward opening its capital markets to foreign investors in recent years. Exchange-traded funds and index funds tracking the affected indexes will add some or all of the 222 A-shares earmarked for inclusion to their portfolios. 

It is a significant first step toward greater global integration of the domestic Chinese capital market and will bring China’s standing in equity indices more in line with the true footprint of the nation’s capital markets and its economy at large.

Saudi Arabia is also on the shortlist for potential inclusion in emerging markets benchmarks. Further opening of the kingdom’s capital markets and the potential for an initial public offering of oil giant Saudi Aramco could have a significant effect on the char­acter of the pool of emerging markets stocks.

Diversification Benefits Dwindling

The level of correlation between developing and developed markets has increased significantly since 2001 and this means the benefits of investing in emerging markets to diversify has started to dwindle. As emerging markets start to integrate into the global economy, they will start to move in step with developed markets.

Investors should in future continue to expect a bumpy ride; these countries’ economic progress will be lumpy and their stock markets’ returns lumpier still.

The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell a security or securities noted within nor should it be viewed as a communication intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. The information contained within should not be a person's sole basis for making an investment decision. Please contact your financial professional before making an investment decision.

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Securities Mentioned in Article

Security NamePriceChange (%)Morningstar
Rating
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd ADR108.93 USD-7.31Rating
Tencent Holdings Ltd438.60 HKD-8.32Rating

About Author

Ben Johnson

Ben Johnson  is director of passive funds research at Morningstar.

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