Fidelity Asia Fund - Laverne Investing

and draws on the research capabilities of Fidelity’s analysts based on the ground in Asia.The Fund aims to achieve returns in excess of the MSCI AC Asia ex-Japan Index NR over the suggested minimum investment time period of five to seven years.

Our Opinion

Our rating is based on the following key drivers:

Capable PM/team:

The Fund’s star portfolio manager, Anthony Srom, and his supporting cast of analysts in high regard. Mr. Srom is well-supported by 50 on-the-groundanalysts in Asia and Fidelity’s global researchteam of 180 analysts and 400 investmentprofessionals worldwide. This makes the team one of the largest buyside firms. Nevertheless, we question the extent at which ongoing and deep research can be maintained in order to beat the index –in our view, it is increasingly difficult no matter how large an investment team is,to beat a benchmark of an efficient, liquid and well researched market.

Well-resourced and access to Company management

Relative to peers, the investment team is well resourced with additional access to third party research and consultants to conduct deep investment research as well as a thorough company visitation schedule (as a result of the investment firm’s reputation). Fidelity conducts more than 15,000company meetings a year, in order togain better insights andknowledge, to make investment decisions.

Sensible investment process rooted in bottom-up research, high conviction, highly concentrated and low turnover

The Fund conducts fundamentals bottom-up stock selection to build a high conviction and highly concentrated portfolio of 20–35 stocks based in the Asia Pacific ex Japan region. There is no deliberate portfolio management style bias, although new positions typically exhibit a contrarian/value bias. Mr. Srom is willing to take a long-term view on a stock, resulting in a low turnover strategy (40%–70%). This translates to a holding period of 18–24 months, but there are stocks that have been held for more than three years.

Downside Risk

Asian economic conditions deteriorate, leading to earnings downgrades at the company level. High quality companies underperform especially in stocks where the Fund has a relative overweight position.
Key-man risk should Portfolio Manager, Mr. Anthony Sromdepart.
The Fund invests in emerging markets which can be more volatile than other more developed markets.
The Fund invests in a relatively small number of companies and so may carry more risk than fundsthat are more diversified.

(Source: Morningstar)
General Advice Warning
Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.