Fixed Income

Singapore has strengthened its pitch to global asset managers, but the next test is turning policy announcements into clear rules and faster operating processes.

Higher hedging costs, new regulations and a repricing of commercial property are pushing insurers towards alternative lending opportunities.

Regional fund flows saw sharp rotations with investors prioritising diversified allocation funds, short-duration fixed income and localised markets.

Once sidelined for low yields and an overvalued currency, Japan is winning back institutional capital across equities, debt and AI.

Rising Japanese government bond (JGB) yields drive institutions to reinvest at home, trimming foreign debt and cautiously adding alternatives.

As spreads narrow and capital regimes evolve, Apac insurers are reassessing credit allocations and portfolio construction strategies.

Structural flaws in passive indices are giving active managers a chance to reclaim their edge.

High foreign currency hedging costs and rising local interest rates are driving Japanese defined benefit funds back toward domestic bonds, general accounts and active manager restructuring.

Strong appetite for technology-focused equities supported flows into South Korea and Taiwan while fixed-income funds across the region lagged.

The NRFC investment aims to scale advanced manufacturing in housing construction to cut delivery times and help ease Australia's housing crunch.

Allocators are considering cross-currency swaps to unlock higher returns in Australia's AAA-rated Kangaroo market and China's offshore issuance.

The insurer is prioritising defensive plays while slowly building a private assets portfolio to deliver long-term returns across Asia.