Investing in Asia 2021

Positioning for Asia's revival and looking at the trends that will define the decade ahead.

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At a glance

After a historic year—in the scale of the health crisis, the worldwide lockdowns, the equity market swings, the amount of policy support issued—the question is what’s in store for us in 2021. Vaccine progress continues, policy remains extremely supportive, and the regional and global economies are on the mend.

For 2021, we forecast 7%-7.5% GDP growth for Asia ex-Japan (from –2.1% y/y in 2020) and robust mid-teens upside for the region’s stock markets. Looking longer term, four trends stand out: technological transformation across economies and industries; a tougher “hunt for yield” amid ultra-low rates; the transformation of Asia’s green economy, powered by China’s carbon-neutral pledge; and the pandemic’s impact on real estate.

 

Outlook 2021 and investment implications

After an economically challenging 2020, all signs are pointing to a buoyant year for equity markets, especially in markets and sectors that have yet to price in greater economic normalization. Southeast Asia is climbing out of recession and returning to growth, and with a return to “normal” life around the corner, cyclical sectors and markets that have suffered this year are poised to bounce back. Our economists forecast 7%-7.5% GDP growth for Asia ex-Japan in 2021 (from –2.1% y/y in 2020), with a cyclical rebound powering consumption and lifting economies back to their pre-pandemic levels.

Overall, we see robust mid-teens upside for the region’s stock markets in 2021. In fact, 2021 could be another “2017” in the making, with a sharp rebound in operating margins and cash flows supporting equities. A major risk factor for the region—US-China tensions—may also be eased with President-elect Biden in power.

But as 2020 has shown us, it’s still imperative to prepare for tail risks. So we recommend diversifying exposure with assets like gold. With recent vaccine developments pointing to a faster post-pandemic normalization than expected, we think cyclical semiconductors and hardware stocks are in a sweet spot to ride on the recovery and Southeast Asian financials are good catch-up plays. Furthermore, secular trends continue to favor 5G beneficiaries, China’s digital economy and ESG leaders. Markets with robust tourism industries like Thailand, Japan and Singapore could enjoy a powerful tailwind from the gradual resumption of travel.

China, meanwhile, is surging ahead. Many parts of the economy have already recovered fully from the pandemic, and we expect the economy to continue expanding heartily in 2021. Further out, Beijing’s proposals in the 14th Five-Year Plan suggest strong support for, among others, its homegrown tech industries and its budding sustainable investment market in the years ahead.

Key investment themes

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Asia’s decade of transformation and investment ideas

Looking longer term, several trends stand out that we think will define the decade ahead for Asia.

Asia tech

Developments in Asia tech

The next decade will be about investing in sectors undergoing technological transformation. Automation, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, 5G, etc. — all areas that will become more pervasive as the technology develops and people become more accustomed to it.

Here, Asia is leading in many areas. China continues to spearhead the 5G rollout, which is ahead of schedule, giving the country and its tech industry a first-mover advantage globally. Japan’s new government is also moving full speed ahead in launching 5G and digitalizing the public and private sectors. We see promising growth for both economy’s tech industries.

Above-average earnings growth rates are expected for Asian tech firms in 2021, with an over 25% rise forecast despite the high base.

Where to invest:

• Cyclical semiconductor and hardware names are in a sweet spot given improving supply-demand dynamics.
• Looking beyond 2021, 5G, fintech and smart mobility segments are likely to be the “next big things” in the Asian technology sector.

Interest rates

Interest rates

Interest rates are going to stay very low for the foreseeable future. Policy rates in developed economies are already at zero, and they’re heading in that direction in emerging markets. Conventional monetary policy remains supportive across the region. But compared to the US or Europe, Asia is home to some of the most attractive rates worldwide.

At the low end are Taiwan and Thailand at 1%–1.5%, in the middle is mainland China at 3.2%, and at the high end are India and Indonesia at 6%–7%. With the hunt for yield an ongoing global phenomenon, and given the relatively higher yields in Asia, we expect the region’s high dividend yield stocks and high yield bonds to be in high demand. This yield advantage should also make APAC currencies more attractive.

Where to invest:

• Take on more risk by adding higher-yield assets like Asia high yield bonds, but stay diversified by adding defensive assets like green bonds and US high yield bonds.

Sustainable investment

Asia’s sustainable investment

Asia’s sustainable investment industry is nascent but rapidly developing. China’s ambitious environmental pledges, along with Korea’s and Japan’s, are likely to serve as a powerful tailwind for the market. Renewable manufacturers, electric vehicle manufacturers and the battery supply chain should benefit from the shift to a green economy. Asia is particularly well positioned to ride the global smart mobility wave given its exposure to the battery supply chain in North Asia. 

The Chinese government’s 14th Five-Year Plan is focused on innovation, openness and a green transformation in economic and social development, pledging carbon neutrality by 2060.

Where to invest:

• These priorities should boost the growth prospects of leaders in specific industries, including renewable energy, discretionary consumption, industrials, financials and 5G enablers. 

Real estate

Asia real estate in a post-COVID world

The pandemic has had a profound impact on the way we live and work. This has significant implications for industries like real estate. Demand for centralized office space is likely to suffer as a result of the work-from-home movement, but industrial property space (e.g., warehouses) is set to benefit. Demand for data centers is rising because of the surge in cloud computing, while home prices have been remarkably resilient in Asia so far.

The adoption of work-from-home in Asia is likely to be less than in the West, especially in China where it is not an established trend. The future office ecosystem will likely be a mix of office space and the home, with a trend toward decentralization. 

Where to invest:

• Industrial properties are poised to benefit from higher e-commerce penetration and supply chain shifts, particularly data centers, warehouses and logistics assets.

• Home prices in Singapore, generally, should be resilient over the next 12 months, while Hong Kong prices should be well-supported on limited near-term supply, declining mortgage rates and robust end-user demand.
 

 

The bottom-line for the year(s) ahead

As 2020 has shown, a historic recession doesn’t warrant exiting the market completely—on the contrary, it shows the importance of being diversified and staying invested. Our fingers are crossed that the Year of the Ox lives up to its bullish characteristics, but we’re not leaving anything to chance. So in addition to identifying opportunities in the year ahead, we advise investors to focus on the trends we think will play out over the years ahead.

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