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Ashmore says emerging markets valuations “highly attractive” but US policy casts shadow

Last updated: 17:35 06 Sep 2019 AEST, First published: 17:14 06 Sep 2019 AEST

Ashmore says emerging markets valuations “highly attractive” but US policy casts shadow

Ashmore Group PLC (LON:ASHM) said the fundamental attractions of emerging markets remain but US trade policy is casting a shadow of doubt over the asset class.

The specialist active fund manager last month revealed that assets under management increased 24% over the past year to US$91.8bn.

A 17% increase in net management fees lifted adjusted net revenue 11% to £308.1mln.

Profit before tax rose 15% to £219.9mln and earnings per share jumped 18% to 25p, with the total dividend per share of 16.65p flat on last year.

“The backdrop for emerging markets remains relatively healthy, with economic indicators such as GDP growth and inflation continuing to trend favourably,” said chief executive Mark Coombs.

“The main risks relate to the US and the impact that its confrontational trade policy and slowing domestic growth will have on the broader global economy.”

He argued that the diversity across the emerging markets asset classes was especially important and that recent market weakness had made valuations “highly attractive”.

Coombs confirmed that he has an agreement with the board to sell up to 4% of Ashmore shares in the market each year but that he is a “committed as a significant executive shareholder” and has “no intention of seeking creeping control of Ashmore”.

Broker Peel Hunt upgraded its recommendation back to 'buy' from 'add' after recent share price weakness.

Analysts said the long-term potential of the business remained "unchanged", with results "broadly as expected".

Shares in the FTSE 250 company were up 2.5% to 466.2p in early trading on Friday.

-- Adds broker comment --

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