Empowered to perform

Lisa Lim's focused, high-conviction approach offers investors an alternative to increasingly concentrated Asian indices, and has drawn many first-time clients to Rathbones Asset Management. The fund aims to capture long-term growth across Asia ex-Japan, driven by demographics, rising middle-class wealth and innovation.

The majority of UK fund selectors surveyed by Rathbones expect allocations to sustainable and ESG funds to increase over the next year. The findings also highlight the importance of active management, with 95% believing active strategies can play an important role in supporting real-world outcomes.

Fund selectors are increasingly favouring high-conviction active strategies to capture Asia’s long-term growth potential and access opportunities beyond the region’s largest index constituents.

A surge in debt-funded AI investment could leave index-tracking strategies more exposed to supply and credit risks. Rathbones’ research highlights the role of active managers in assessing quality and value.

Demand for sustainable and ESG funds remains resilient, with majority of surveyed fund selectors expecting allocations to increase over the next year despite market uncertainty and political scrutiny.

Water stress and land degradation are creating growing challenges for companies and investors. Rathbones Asset Management sees opportunities in businesses helping to build more resilient water and food systems.