Barings EMEA trust loads up on Middle East

32.5% in Saudi Arabia

The managers of the £80m Barings Emerging EMEA Opportunities trust have been investing heavily in the Middle East, which they argue has a strong fiscal outlook, and while human rights and societal concerns remain a factor, they believe in the “current direction of travel”.

The trust is currently holding 32.5% in Saudi Arabia, with 10.8% in UAE, 7.6% in Qatar and 2.9% in Kuwait, according to the June factsheet. Matthias Siller, co-manager on the trust, told Investment Week that the region held "enormous importance" for the global future, particularly around the energy transition. This adds to what the manager sees as a "solid investment case". "A burgeoning IPO market is broadening the investment opportunity set across the region, whilst a strong fiscal outlook, low single digit inflation, and a reform agenda which should further boost consumer confidenc...