
featured insights & webinar
So far in 2019, markets have moved positively and our worst fears from Q4 remain unfounded. However, investors should not be complacent and interpret this period of good news as predictive of the rest of 2019. Markets are likely to again fear the future. In this week’s post, our advisor Say Boon Lim shares his thoughts about the current period of benign market activity.
Feb 18, 2019
As we pass the 6-month anniversary of our latest ETFs, we review their performance since launch, the underlying story behind the exposures and the potential for returns going forward.
Feb 13, 2019
We enter this year at a crossroads for markets, with multiple cycles coming to an end. In his first insight as our senior advisor, Say Boon Lim offers his thoughts on asset allocation amid diverging economic, market and currency cycles. Following his thoughts as a guide, we introduce a number of ETF implementation ideas for 2019 across equities, fixed income, commodities and even currencies.
Jan 25, 2019
Emerging markets seem to be one of the top picks among both sell-side strategies and well-known investors in 2019. We would like to examine if their views are valid and understand better about the reasons behind. To make it into an actionable advice, we also share our thought why emerging ASEAN maybe the crème de la crème and update our readers on the performance of Premia Dow Jones Emerging ASEAN Titans 100 ETF.
Jan 14, 2019
As we wrap up 2018, it’s hard not to reflect on a -25% year in A-shares. As investors, however, we have to look forward and ask ourselves – what’s in store for 2019? Will the trade war result in continued downward momentum? Or will policy accommodation and an improved trade environment result in a massive upside reversal? Looking back 10 years to the global financial crisis, we examine a potential path forward for A-shares in 2019.
Dec 17, 2018
Below is a quick summary of what you need to know regarding this weekend’s G20 Xi-Trump meeting and our thoughts on impact for Asian and Chinese equities.
Dec 03, 2018
For the past 5 years, the surest trade in finance was to bet on US technology stocks and watch market caps double and portfolio returns roll in. However, the last few months have shaken that confidence and now many investors are asking what’s next, given the diminishing growth picture globally. Asian companies focused on innovation offer an interesting opportunity in this regard, especially considering the correction so far and their potential going forward. Though many VC and tech investors have already made the shift to Asia, that move is yet to occur in public equity markets. We believe our Premia Factset Asia Innovative Technology Index, and its corresponding ETF, 3173 HK, should be in every global and tech investors toolkit.
Nov 27, 2018
On the 1 year anniversary of our China A smart beta ETFs, we thought it prudent to reflect on how 2803 HK and 3173 HK have done since launch, as well as take stock of China A-shares markets overall. In this note, we’ll recap the ETF performance and tracking, review China A-shares over the last 12 months, explore which factors worked and didn’t and offer a few thoughts about our expectations going forward. Thanks as always for reading and trusting us with your investments.
Nov 08, 2018
Innovation is increasingly a key requirement for economic growth. The story is no longer about Copied in China, but Made in China. The same is true throughout the Asian region. Unfortunately, until now, there’s been no easy and efficient way to build an Asia Innovation exposure. After months of discussions with clients, followed by months of research and data clean-up, we are pleased to announce the launch of the Premia FactSet Asia Innovative Technology Index. In this post, we cover the rationale, methodology and result of this innovative approach to capturing Asian growth. To ask us a question, or express your interest, click here.
Oct 22, 2018
While the world paints EM with a single broad-brush stroke, ASEAN markets have quietly separated from the rest of EM and may have bottomed out in July. We say quietly because no one is talking about it, with most financial media preferring to focus on the US/China trade war, Turkey’s Lira crisis, Argentina’s rate hike or some other potential problem area. There hasn’t been much news out of ASEAN of late, which may simply be because the story is not one of turmoil and difficulty but of consistent growth and opportunity.
Sep 27, 2018
BY TOPICS
Chart Of the Week


David Lai , CFA
CFA
Chinese equities got off to a strong start in 2026, led by the STAR Market. Since onshore trading resumed, the STAR50 Index has risen 9.9% in dollar return, outperforming CSI300’s 2.9% and offshore Hang Seng Tech’s 3%. This extends the strong momentum seen in 2025, when the STAR50 delivered a dollar return of 42.6%, well ahead of CSI300’s 26.3% and Hang Seng Tech’s 24.5%. Policy signals remain supportive. In his New Year’s Eve address, President Xi highlighted China’s progress in artificial intelligence and semiconductors, reinforcing innovation as a core pillar of high-quality economic development. Advances in humanoid robotics, drones, aerospace, and defence were cited as key examples. At the corporate level, the China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund (“Big Fund”) increased its stake in SMIC, the largest constituent of the STAR50 Index, from 4.79% to 9.25%, showing state support for advanced-node capabilities. Among the outperforming stocks, Guobo Electronics rose close to 40% over the past five trading days, following reports that China aims to scale up to 100 rocket launches annually by 2030. As a leading supplier of RF chips and T/R modules, Guobo is a major beneficiary of rising demand for satellite and launch-vehicle communications. AMEC shares also surged after announcing the acquisition of a 64.7% stake in Hangzhou Zhongsilicon, expanding its offering from dry processes into chemical mechanical polishing. Meanwhile, VeriSilicon Microelectronics reported a 130% year-on-year increase in new orders last quarter, driven by accelerating AI chip demand. Against this backdrop, the Premia China STAR50 ETF allows investors to align portfolios with China’s strategic push in advanced technology and innovation through the STAR Market.
Jan 12, 2026




