Aberdeen Standard Investments - Asia Pacific ex Japan Q2 2021 market update

Asia Pacific ex Japan market, as represented by MSCI APXJ, had a strong first half. Key market drivers in 2021 include: 1. Covid – the gap between developed markets and Asia is gap narrowing as we move towards the end of 2021 as vaccination pace picks up. 2. Inflation – not seeing huge signs of building core inflationary pressure in Asia. Worth noting higher core inflation in India. 3. Geopolitical competition – here to stay. A real increase in R&D spending to boost long term competitiveness by both US and China. 4. Going green – long term structural investments in the areas of clean energy such as wind and solar, as well as in electric vehicles. 6 long term investment opportunities in Asia - Aspiration - consumption and premiumisation of consumption. - Building Asia – infrastructure and housing - Health and wellness – healthcare devices and contract research organisations - Digital future – internet Companies that are driving the digital economy. - Tech enablers – semiconductors that are building blocks that power the digital economy. - Going green - Asia is a strong supplier into going green build out globally