Investors who view emerging market equities as chronic underperformers may be surprised to learn that in 2016, for the first time in several years, emerging markets outperformed their developed market counterparts. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index returned 11.6% in US dollar terms, while the MSCI World Index returned 8.2% (Exhibit 1). EM’s outperformance is all the more impressive considering the challenging environment faced by the asset class immediately following the US presidential election.
Exhibit 1: 2016 relative performance of the MSCI EM Index versus the MSCI World Index
Source: Bloomberg
Breaking down the relative performance, both earnings and valuation trends favored emerging markets. Forward 12-month earnings per share for the MSCI Emerging Markets Index rose 3.4% during the year, while PE ratio increased by 4.7% from 11.3x to 11.8x. By comparison, forward 12-month earnings per share for the MSCI World Index rose 2.4%, while PE rerated by 2.8% from 15.7x to 16.1x. Dividend yields were similar.
Several factors underpinned this overall picture, some of which have been discussed in prior pieces. Commodity prices appreciated from a depressed level, which supported earnings and currencies for commodity exporting countries, while economic rebalancing and reform efforts in several emerging markets progressed, aiding improvement at the macro level. And at the company level, improved discipline surrounding capital and operating expenditures in recent years generated leaner operations, which helped drive margin expansion amid an improving demand environment.
While factors like US trade and monetary policy remain risks, we are optimistic that many of the trends witnessed in emerging markets over the past year will persist. Furthermore, the structural case for emerging markets, built upon superior demographics, debt levels, and potential for productivity improvement, remains as strong as ever. Additionally, a still wide relative valuation discount for emerging markets versus developed markets will make emerging markets an increasingly attractive investment over the coming years.
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