New Citibank / OSK-UOB Unit Trust Management Product

Citibank Introduces Investment Product To Help M'sian Investors

KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 (Bernama) -- To assist Malaysian investors to further broaden their investment horizon, Citibank is introducing an investment product with OSK-UOB Unit Trust Management that provides local investors exposure to selected Asia Pacific stock markets.

In a statement here Wednesday, Citibank said that the product is an affordable, easy to understand and hassle free investment avenue that is available immediately.

Head of Citibank Branch Banking Products, Charles Sik, said that the move would reconnect Malaysians back into global financial markets and open up fresh opportunities and options.

"Citibank depositors and investors may benefit from the potential for improved returns at potentially lower risk, plus have more investment choices and value added which global expertise, research and innovation can bring," he said.

Industry analysts expect onshore (and offshore) financial institutions in Malaysia to begin introducing more alternative investment products to residents over the coming months.

A Citibank research of risk and return analysis of various Asian indices suggest that between 1991 to 2004, a diversified basket of Asia Pacific equities excluding Japan have provided more attractive returns at lower risk compared to fully invested in Malaysian equities.

According to Citigroup analysts, Asia Pacific equities also offer attractive valuations, positive earnings growth, rising free cash flow and among the highest dividend yields in the world.

It said that Asia Pacific region also provides great economic potential -- home to over two billion people, -- rich economic and natural resources with the world's two fastest growing economies namely China and India.

Via Bernama