As the year draws to a close and with the festive season right around the corner, we reflect on what we have accomplished this year. We would like to express our gratitude for your continued support and commitment and look forward to working with you in 2021.
Our office will be closed from 12pm Wednesday 23rd December and will reopen again on Monday 11th January 2021.
Whilst this year has come with challenges, we would like to use this edition of Affinity Insights to end the year on a positive note.
Warmest wishes for a joyous season and a happy and healthy New Year. Please revel in catching up with family and friends over the summer break and enjoy some well-deserved rest. The best present one can hope for this year is to spend time together!
From Rodney M. DeGabriele and Tony Vikram
Emerging market (EM) equities have been the best performing growth asset class in the past six months, beating the developed market (DM) index by around 10%. Is this the beginning of a reversal of EM fortunes after a decade of disappointment? In this note, we investigate the reason for the recent outperformance and outline why we think a meaningful exposure to EM over the long term makes sense for portfolios.
Around 5% of the outperformance is directly related to the weakening US$. However, there were more fundamental factors at play as well. China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea, countries with a substantial weight in the EM index, did not suffer a significant Autumn Covid wave (unlike the US and Europe) supporting their economies. The acceleration in credit growth in China also supported EM equities. There is a strong correlation between the relative performance of EM and DM equities and the Chinese credit cycle (see below). EM equities have also benefited from having less growth/technology exposure than the DM index, which was hurt by the growth/value rotation in November.
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2020 was not the year we expected; devasting bushfires, a worldwide pandemic and economic downturn – this year has tested us. While this year has been tough, there have been silver linings. Out of coronavirus we have witnessed incredible scientific discoveries and found a new appreciation for the people around us. Out of the racial activism, there has been positive changes that will have a ripple effect for generations to come.
While we are looking forward to lying on beaches over summer or catching up with friends for a glass of Australian wine, we also thought we should look back and reflect on the positive things 2020 has brought us. Here is Affinity’s list of some of the good things to come from 2020:
This year at Affinity, we supported and donated to the Leukaemia Foundation and Love Me Love You (through 10×10 Philanthropy). We hold strong admiration to each organisation and the work they do.
The Leukaemia Foundation is dedicated to curing and conquering blood cancer. They support thousands of Australians every year through emotional support and advocacy, educational programs, transportation and accommodation services. With over 100 different types of blood cancer, they are determined to find a cure for them all, one step at a time.
Love Me Love You aims to raise awareness and challenge the views and stigmas surrounding mental health. The importance of mental health has become even more prevalent during this year whilst dealing with the impacts of Covid-19. Their vision is to deliver more than 500,000 programs and experiences to schools, workplaces, sporting clubs and community groups by 2025.
There are so many ways we can support the causes close to our hearts and one another to help end 2020 on a brighter note. Below are some ideas of how we can help our community:
Founded by three friends, the Empty Esky initiative is a national tourism movement of foodies and adventurers on a mission to support small business affected by the Australian fires. It encourages everyone to grab an empty esky and embark on a road trip to a fire-affected town and stock up with produce and wares purchased from local traders. Many of these small businesses rely on peak-tourism months to make their money in order to survive the quieter times of the year, however the bushfires and state boarder restrictions due to Covid-19 have made it impossible for them to operate and generate a living.
Let’s come together to take the Empty Esky pledge! Commit to helping our fellow neighbours and stimulating local fire and Covid-19 affected economies. It’s not only the right thing to do, it’s the Aussie thing to do.
Click here to take the pledge to visit a fire impacted town with your empty esky
Or register here if you have or know of a business affected by the fires.
Following the devastation of her mum’s passing, Jacqui was inspired to find an easier way to help people help themselves and others in need – as well as making ways to celebrate life’s happiest occasions more meaningful and memorable. The Helping Hub has become a space where people can share their stories and journeys and find meaningful ways to support those who have recently experienced grief and loss.
As an alternative to sending flowers, or if you are unsure of how to support your family or friends in time of need, consider The Helping Hub, as they have over 100 gifts ranging from counselling services, massages, household laundry or cleaning services, meal preparation and apparel.
Click here to explore the range of gifts.