Johannesburg, 18 August 2022: Shares in the 1nvest MSCI Emerging Markets Asia Index Feeder ETF began trading today on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), giving South African investors exposure and access to eight fast-growing Asian emerging markets.

This emerging market-focused Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), which is managed by specialist index asset manager 1nvest, has been designed to track the performance of the MSCI Emerging Markets Asia Index.

The index is made up of more than 1,100 large and mid-cap companies operating in China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand. In addition, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalisation in each of the eight emerging markets included in the index.

The listing of 1nvest MSCI EM Asia Index Feeder ETF brings the number of ETF listings on the JSE to 92 with a total ETF market capitalisation of R118 billion.

Adèle Hattingh, Business Development & Exchange  Traded Products Manager at the JSE, is encouraged that the Johannesburg-based bourse continues to be the preferred capital-raising platform for ETF issuers looking to attract investors that want to diversify their portfolios at affordable costs.

“I am delighted by the sustained year-on-year growth of the ETF market. This will enable investors to diversify their portfolios and generate long-term returns in a cost-effective manner. The listing of this ETF by 1nvest allows local investors to broaden their investment holdings into fast-growing Asian emerging economies,” explains Hattingh.

South African investors can use Rands to purchase shares in the 1nvest MSCI EM Asia Index Feeder ETF and will not require foreign exchange tax clearance to invest in the fund.

“The 1nvest MSCI EM Asia Index Feeder ETF is yet another way that 1nvest uses prudent and expert product selection to give investors exposure to eight specific and vibrant Asian emerging market economies. This fund can also form part of a cost-effective and rand-denominate geographical diversification strategy,” says Ryan Basdeo, Head of Index Portfolio Management at 1nvest.

In terms of country weights, the MSCI Emerging Markets Asia Index – which is being tracked by the ETF – will be dominated by China with 40,65% weighting, followed by India with 17,71% weighting, and South Korea with 15,2% weighting.

When it comes to sector weights, the index is dominated by information technology with 25,38% weighting, followed by financials with 16,92% weighting, and energy with 16,17% weighting.

ENDS

ABOUT THE JSE

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has a well-established history of operating as a marketplace for trading financial products. It is a pioneering, globally-connected exchange group that enables inclusive economic growth through trusted, world-class, socially responsible products, and services for the investor of the future. It offers secure and efficient primary and secondary capital markets across a diverse range of securities, spanning equities, derivatives, and debt markets. It prides itself on being the market of choice for local and international investors looking to gain exposure to leading capital markets on the African continent.

The JSE is currently ranked in the Top 20 largest stock exchanges in the world by market capitalisation, and is the largest stock exchange in Africa, having been in operation for 130 years.

As a leading global exchange, the JSE co-creates, unlocks value & makes real connections happen.

www.jse.co.za