Water investing: Not just an emerging market story

Although water shortages are most prominent in emerging markets, the manager of the Pictet Water fund has identified abundant investment opportunities in developed countries due to limited infrastructure.

Speaking at Investment Week's Channel Islands Investment Summit, Arnaud Bisschop explained the scope of the water theme extends beyond emerging markets. "It is not only an emerging market story and I want that to be clear," the manager said. "The ageing infrastructure, in particular in the US, but even Europe, needs a lot of investment and upgrades." North America makes up the largest chunk of the fund at around 50%, and 30% is held in Europe, while only 15% is allocated to emerging markets. The €2.5bn (£2.1bn) fund does not invest in water itself, but rather the water service indu...