SINGAPORE --  Thomson Reuters today announced its findings on the performance of all unit trusts and investment-linked insurance products (ILPs) that are included under the Central Provident Fund Investment Scheme (CPFIS) as of 30 June 2016.

In Q2 2016, the overall performance of CPFIS-included funds rose 0.68% on average, a positive and encouraging development for investors. Specifically, CPFIS-included unit trusts increased 0.34% and CPFIS-included ILPs rose 0.89%. For all CPFIS-included funds, equities and bonds posted positive returns of 0.45% and 1.39%, while mixed-asset and money market funds grew 0.95% and 0.18%. During the same period, MSCI AC Asia ex-Japan index rallied 0.46%, while Citigroup WGBI soared 3.36%.

For the one year since June 2015, the overall performance of CPFIS-included funds fell 5.94% on average. CPFIS-included unit trusts slid 7.17% on the year and CPFIS-included ILPs fell 5.21% on average. Meanwhile, Citigroup WGBI TR rallied 11.21%, while benchmark MSCI AC Asia ex Japan Index slid 11.76%. For the one-year period, on average, bond offerings (+5.58%) outperformed equities (-9.83%), mixed-asset (-2.62%) and money market funds (+0.78%).

From June 2013 till June 2016, CPFIS-included funds reported a strong growth of 12.15% on average, accounted for by a gain of 12.36% on average from CPFIS-included unit trusts and 12.03% on average from CPFIS-included ILPs. During this period, MSCI AC Asia ex-Japan Index soared 13.83% and Citigroup WGBI TR rose 14.77%. Equities were the lead gainer with growth of 12.95%, while money market portfolio posted 1.28% on average.

Xav Feng, Head of Asia Pacific Research, Thomson Reuters Lipper, commented, “CPFIS funds experienced stronger growth in the second quarter of 2016. On a macro-level, global markets have gradually rebounded following United Kingdom’s referendum decision to leave the European Union, but an environment of uncertainty continues to prevail. In addition, there are doubts about the effectiveness of European Central Bank and Bank of Japan’s quantitative easing. As the yuan continues to depreciate, China’s central bank has focused on improving communication with markets in an effort to stabilize currency movements. Investors are advised to remain cautious, keep on top of market-changing events and look into portfolio diversification to counteract market volatility.”

Performance of CPFIS-included unit trusts and ILPs during the 3, 12 and 36 month periods ending June 2016:

Source: Thomson Reuters Lipper

The Investment Management Association of Singapore (IMAS) and Life Insurance Association of Singapore (LIAS) have appointed Lipper to monitor the performance of all unit trusts and investment-linked insurance products included under the Central Provident Fund Investment Scheme (CPFIS).

Notes to the Editor:

Information provided by Lipper has been obtained from or is based upon sources believed to be reliable but is not warranted to be accurate or complete. Lipper does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to investors or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in any product or mutual fund particularly. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance and investors should remember that past performance is not a guarantee of future results. 

Thomson Reuters Lipper

Thomson Reuters Lipper is a global leader in supplying mutual fund information, analytical tools, and commentary. Lipper's benchmarking and classifications are widely recognized as the industry standard by asset managers, fund companies and financial intermediaries. Our reliable fund data, fund awards designations and ratings information provide valued insight to advisors, media and individual investors.

Thomson Reuters 

Thomson Reuters is the world’s leading source of news and information for professional markets. Our customers rely on us to deliver the intelligence, technology and expertise they need to find trusted answers. The business has operated in more than 100 countries for more than 100 years. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges. For more information, visit www.thomsonreuters.com.