Diversified solutions for different investors: How this bank helps you navigate market volatility

WHEN global inflation surged in mid-2021, markets and investors found themselves having to stay nimble in the midst of new challenges. Rising prices triggered higher interest rates and, accordingly, drove equities lower.

The return of inflation is just one example of the increasingly challenging environment that investors operate in. Against this backdrop, investors are seeking diversified portfolios tailored to their risk appetites, but with the ability to respond quickly to changing conditions.

To this end, Standard Chartered's Signature CIO Funds, a suite of four investment funds - Income, Conservative, Balanced, and Growth - cater to varying risk appetites and financial goals of investors. For instance, investors seeking a consistent payout would likely opt for the Income Fund, which has an annualised distribution yield of approximately 6 per cent**, while those looking for higher capital growth would choose the Growth Fund.

"We have four specifically curated portfolios to suit all clients' investment needs - whether they're more conservative or have a bigger risk appetite. We're here to partner our clients in their wealth journey, to help them achieve their financial goals. Our Signature CIO Funds backed by the views from our Chief Investment Office provide wealth solutions to offer sustainable risk-adjusted returns," says Gavin Chia, Standard Chartered's head of managed investments, investment advisory & strategy. Furthermore, investors are able to seamlessly switch from one fund to another as they move through different life stages and changing risk appetites.

The signature funds encompass a broad spectrum of asset classes like global equities, global bonds, commodities, liquid alternatives, and cash, providing investors with a diversified multi-asset landscape to mitigate risks and enhance potential returns.

This approach has resonated with investors across Standard Chartered's key markets. As of 15 November this year, the Signature CIO Funds and the Flagship Mandates have collectively raised US$1 billion (S$1.36 billion) globally.

Supported by global expertise

The Signature CIO funds are supported by the expertise of Standard Chartered's Chief Investment Office (CIO), which sits in key markets such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai. The CIO provides a blend of local and global perspectives that helps to ensure a balanced and unbiased view when formulating investment strategies for the funds.

For instance, as Standard Chartered is a significant player in the emerging market trade, we are well-equipped to allocate assets in these markets, unlike fund managers in developed markets.

"We've been in Singapore for more than 160 years and have been partnering our private banking clients since 2001. Having run similar investment mandates for our private banking clients, we are able to take that experience and package for clients in a simple way in the form of these funds," says Chia.

Furthermore, the CIO Signature funds are actively managed by a fully-fledged global team of more than 30 investment professionals who do not rely solely on algorithms or "robo-advisors" that are currently popular in the market. This human-driven approach allows for a more nuanced and active response to navigate the complexities in global markets.

"It's important to know how to react when the market changes. For a long time, no one was talking about inflation. Then in the last two years, everyone was going wild about inflation. It's very hard to program a robo to respond to that," explains Chia.

To deal with fluctuating market conditions, Standard Chartered rebalances its funds at least once every quarter to maintain the intended risk and return profile of the funds. For instance, during a bull run, the equity portion of a balanced portfolio could increase disproportionately, leading to a risk profile that may not align with the investor's preferences.

For investors seeking a more comprehensive solution that fulfills both their protection needs and wealth accumulation goals, Standard Chartered recently launched an Investment-Linked Insurance Plan (ILP) version of its CIO Signature Funds, which offers insurance on top of the product's core investment portfolio. Says Chia: "Working closely with our insurance partner, Prudential, we are confident that the CIO Signature ILPs will be an important part of clients' portfolios."

For more information, visit Standard Chartered.

**Based on historical rate. Dividend may be distributed out of interest income and/or capital gains and (in the event that interest income and/or capital gains are insufficient) out of capital attributable to the relevant share class / class. Investors should note that the declaration and/or payment of dividend (whether out of interest income, capital gains and/or capital) may have the effect of lowering the net asset value of the relevant share class / class. Past payout yields and payments do not represent future payout yields and payments.

Disclaimers This webpage contains information about AMUNDI ASIA FUNDS SIGNATURE CIO CONSERVATIVE FUND, AMUNDI FUNDS SIGNATURE CIO BALANCED FUND, AMUNDI ASIA FUNDS SIGNATURE CIO GROWTH FUND, AMUNDI ASIA FUNDS SIGNATURE CIO INCOME FUND (the "Funds"), sub funds of Amundi Asia Funds, an undertaking for collective investment in transferable securities existing under Part I of the Luxembourg law of 17 December 2010, organised as an open-ended mutual investment fund ("fonds commun de placement"). The management company of the Funds is Amundi Luxembourg S.A., 5, allée Scheffer, L-2520 Luxembourg and the Singapore Representative of the Funds is Amundi Singapore Limited (Registration No. 198900774E), 80 Raffles Place, UOB Plaza 1, #23-01, Singapore 048624 (Amundi Luxembourg S.A. and/or its affiliated companies, including without limitation Amundi Singapore Limited, being hereinafter referred to individually or jointly as "Amundi"). Amundi Singapore Limited is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

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