We explore a differentiated strategy, Federated Hermes Asia ex Japan Equity, focusing on undervalued opportunities across various market sectors. Investment director, James Cook, shares insights into contrarian investing, explaining how their approach differs by embracing both high and low-quality companies, depending on value. We discuss significant market dynamics in China and South Korea, touching on the potential catalysts for growth, the impact of geopolitical tensions, and the evolving corporate governance landscape.

What’s covered in this episode: 

• What makes Federated Hermes Asia ex Japan Equity different? 
• The fund’s contrarian approach to the region
• Is China the ultimate contrarian play? 
• The potential catalyst for China
• Increased buyback and dividend support in China
• What makes South Korea so attractive today? 
• Is corporate governance at a turning point in Korea?
• AI-exposure in the fund
• Can you find value investments in India? 
• What are the regional “bright spots” for investors?

More about the fund:
Federated Hermes Asia ex Japan Equity is a concentrated fund investing in emerging markets within the Asia ex-Japan region. Its manager, Jonathan Pines, is willing to buy all types of companies if the price is right. He actively invests in stocks that are currently out of favour but which he believes are likely to perform better in the future. Jonathan Pines is a highly experienced manager and has spent well over a decade working on this fund. The process has historically worked very well, with the fund delivering excellent long-term performance.

Learn more on fundcalibre.com

Please remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.