Equity

Capital Group's Andy Budden, investment director, equities, and Manusha Samaraweera, investment director, fixed income, discussed US productivity growth, high tech valuations, rate cuts, the importance of multinationals, and more, in Singapore last month.

Studies have shown the positive correlation between having female investors or fund managers on team, and portfolio returns. Female finance leaders told FA that a diversity of experiences and skills are important in a fast-evolving sector.

As Hong Kong looks to integrate more with Asean's economies, Thailand joins Indonesia and Singapore as a Recognised Stock Exchange in the Special Administrative Region.

The Japanese parent company of 7-Eleven, under bid from a Canadian rival, has said it will replace its chief executive officer, spin off its US business and has agreed to sell its superstore business to Bain Capital.

Hong Kong-based Chan has been with the US bank since 2003 and is currently responsible for Apac equity-linked origination.

Bubble tea maker Mixue has joined the market as it bounces back with a flurry of listing activity expected this year, with mainland Chinese investors increasing use of the Stock Connect; Middle East firms could also seek listings, although other foreign firms could be harder to attract.

Artificial intelligence is helping improve trading efficiency, however, a balance with cost efficiency is crucial for financial institutions to stay competitive.

The global IT services firm, which uses AI, is still majority owned by Carlyle; the listing on the BSE and NSE is the largest technology services and sponsor-owned IPO in India; there were five banks involved.

The fund will also be the first retail tokenised fund across Asia Pacific.