Thai Bourse And Asset Management Firms Promote Mutual Funds

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) continues to invite the public to invest in mutual funds, through its cooperating with the Association of Investment Management Companies (AIMC) and leading asset management companies, in the campaign “Let’s Invest in Mutual Funds,” which encourages Thais to more effectively manage their own finances through mutual funds. During the 10 years of collaboration, Thailand’s mutual fund value has more than quadrupled to THB 2.78 trillion (approx. USD 92.70 billion).
 
AIMC Chairman Somjin Sornpaisarn said: “Nowadays, investing through mutual funds is an important alternative for Thais in managing their savings.  Its formats have continuously evolved to better meet the objectives and the demand of the public who needs more tools for savings or an efficient financial management.  As a result, mutual funds have increasingly been more popular among savers and investors.  Since 2003, when the project began, the total mutual fund value in Thailand has risen from THB 681.35 billion (approx. USD 22.71 billion) to THB 2.78 trillion (approx. USD 92.70 billion), as of June 2013.  This represents a 408% increase. Meanwhile, the number of mutual fund accounts has also surged more than 450% from 628,000 accounts to 3,554,000 accounts, and there are now over 1,400 funds available for investors to choose from. Investors have become more concerned about investment policies, closely follow news, monitor economic trends, and focus on fund allocation. The success in promoting mutual funds has driven us to push ahead with further developing mutual funds as an effective means for savings, investment and financial management for Thais.”
 
SET Executive Vice President and Head of Markets Division Kesara Manchusree said: “SET has been collaborating with parties involved in the capital market, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Capital Market Development Fund Foundation, AIMC and asset management companies, to continuously educate investors about mutual funds. This endeavor has offered investors a broader array of alternatives and opportunities for receiving high returns, while asset management companies have developed and launched new products to meet investors’ demands.” 
 
“Moreover, during the first six months of this year, investors have become increasingly interested in equity funds, apart from LTFs and RMFs, due to high returns and availability of asset management by professionals. The NAV of equity funds has increased from THB 572.35 billion (approx. USD 19.08 billion) last year to THB 651.732 billion (approx. USD 21.72 billion), as of June 28, 2013, up 13.86 percent. In addition, the net buy on the Thai bourse by local institutional investors amounted to as much as THB 69 billion (approx. USD 2.3 billion) of which over THB 54 billion (approx. USD 1.8 billion) was from mutual funds,” Kesara added.
 
In 2013, SET, SEC, AIMC and 18 asset management companies will continue to promote the campaign “Let’s Invest in Mutual Funds” to the general public through all available media and activities. For further information on mutual fund investment and related activities, please visit www.thaimutualfundnews.com.