'Contrarian' emerging markets move pays dividends for Premier

Sold exposure following Brexit

Premier Asset Management's head of research Ian Rees believes taking a contrarian approach to emerging markets last year has been the biggest contributor to the firm's multi-asset fund performance in 2016.

Last year, the firm began buying up positions in Asia and global emerging markets through funds including Charlemagne Emerging Market Dividend, Fidelity FAST Emerging Markets and HMG Global Emerging Markets. As several of the multi-asset funds have an income bias, Rees (pictured) said he was particularly positive on how companies in the region are beginning to see the benefits of paying and sustaining dividends. The funds also hold positions in emerging market debt via funds such as Ashmore Emerging Markets Short Duration and the Fidelity Emerging Markets Debt Total Return fund, which...