Asia preferred to LatAm but few themes prevail

Asia is more appealing to emerging market fund managers than Latin America, although uneven conditions mean both remain highly stock specific. Asia comprises 57% of the benchmark MSCI Emerging Market Free Index, while Latin America is only 17%. It is no surprise, therefore, managers say it is easier to find investable stocks in Asia. Asian equities are also said to be closer to recovery than Latin America, as their pain started earlier. Giles Neville, emerging markets product manager at Schroders, says: 'Asia has already had its really tough period, which started with the 1997 crisis in...