One of this year’s strongest single-country emerging markets ETFs was one of the best performers when emerging markets were a leadership group several years ago: The iShares MSCI Thailand Capped ETF (NYSEArca: THD).
THD is standing tall this year thanks in large part to Thailand’s steadying economy and barely noticeable unemployment rate.
However, THD has recently face some headwinds. THD has declined 6.6% since the October 7 close. Thai stocks plunged this week after Thai royal authorities said over the weekend the ailing Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest reigning monarch, health condition was unstable and had undergone a procedure to purify his blood.
The king’s “failing health is adding another layer of uncertainty to the very unpredictable situation in Thailand,” Krystal Tan, Asia economist at Capital Economics, told the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday. “That’s been weighing on investor sentiment.”
Still, some renowned emerging markets investors are bullish on Thailand’s long-term prospects.
“This will be a time of political uncertainty and change for the people of Thailand, and investors should be prepared for market volatility in the short run. At the same time, I believe in Thailand’s resilience – not only as a market, but as a nation. In our view, as bottom-up investors, we will continue to focus on the strong fundamentals of the country and remain positive on Thailand’s overall growth outlook,” said Mark Mobius of Franklin Templeton in a note posted by Dimitra DeFotis of Barron’s.
SEE MORE: Thailand Stocks, ETF Flourish Under Military Rule
While some observers may believe Thailand is still rife with political volatility, especially after the military took control last year, Thailand’s economy and incomes have historically expanded faster and remained more stable under the three times the military led government, compared to the nine civilian ones.
Thai stocks could also be supported by the country’s Social Security Office’s bid to up its equity positions while trimming its holdings of sovereign debt. “The fund has overweight holdings on commerce, telecommunication and health-care companies as they’re less affected by energy prices and slower global growth,” according to Bloomberg.
For more information on the Thai markets, visit our Thailand category.