RBC Emerging Market Equity Fund Commentary – Q3 2021
Thesis
REEIX is driven through both top-down and bottom-up fundamental research that provides diversification within our full EM allocation. The fund looks for high quality companies across all market caps that have strong ESG scores. We like REEIX because of the consistent and repeatable process that allows the team to take advantage of companies with sustainable growth across all the Emerging Market (EM) landscape.
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Overview
In the third quarter of 2021, REEIX underperformed the benchmark (MSCI Emerging Markets Index) by 13bps largely due to poor selection within Financials. Yet, strong selection within Information Technology and Consumer Discretionary helped offset some of these poor returns. Regionally, underweight to and strong selection within China contributed to performance, while selection in India and South Africa detracted. In general, the EM market has been slow to recover and has seen volatility due to political turmoil and COVID resurgences.
Q3 2021 Summary
- REEIX returned (8.22%), while the MSCI Emerging Markets Index returned (8.09%)
- Contributors
- Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Sunny Optical, MediaTek, Tata Consultancy, Yum China
- Detractors
- Ping An Insurance, Credicorp, NCSoft, Discovery, B3 SA
Outlook
- We continue to hold this fund and believe in our thesis due to the fund’s historically strong returns and understanding of Emerging Markets on both a macro and micro level
- Fund continues to invest in high-quality companies
- Strong competitive positions, talented management teams, healthy balance sheets, and consistent cash flows
- Looking to take advantage of expanding areas in the economy
- Health and wellness, digitalization, “green” infrastructure, increase access to banking services
- Continued concerns around COVID and inflation will make for a rocky road to recovery
[Category Mutual Fund Commentary]
Micah Weinstein
Research Analyst
Direct: 617.226.0032
Fax: 617.523.8118
Crestwood Advisors
One Liberty Square
Suite 500
Boston, MA 02109