Smart Investing with Shariah-Compliant Funds
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ADDED:
05 October 2021
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Did you know that Malaysia is the third-largest market for global Islamic finance products as well as the world’s largest sukuk issuer? 

This explosive growth has brought about tremendous opportunities for investors who are not only seeking higher returns, but also looking to stay true to their own personal beliefs and values.

However, irrespective of religious beliefs, all investors can benefit from greater diversification in their portfolios through Shariah-compliant funds. 

But if you’re not familiar with these types of funds and what they invest into, here’s a primer for you:-
What are Shariah-Compliant Funds?
Shariah-compliant funds are a type of unit trust fund that complies with Islamic principles, where the investments need to be free from riba (interest), gharar (speculation), maysir (gambling), and other non-halal elements.

Shariah-compliant funds may employ different strategies to achieve its stated objective such as investing in growth stocks for long-term capital appreciation or an income strategy by investing in dividend stocks or sukuk papers to produce consistent income.

What do Shariah-Compliant Funds Invest In?

Whilst a conventional fund has almost no restrictions in what it can invest into, a Shariah-compliant fund undergoes a rigorous screening process to filter out sectors that are not Shariah-compliant. These include industries that are not deemed ethical such as alcohol, gambling and tobacco. 
 
Besides that, the screening process would also take into account financial factors such as gearing levels. For example, a company which has more than 33% of its liabilities in interest-bearing debt compared to its total assets would not be considered Shariah-compliant. As such, companies with high debt ratios are excluded.

What are its Advantages?
Due to this screening process, the nature of the underlying assets of Shariah-compliant investments tend to be more defensive in nature by focusing on companies with stronger balance sheets and excluding those with high levels of debt.

By also avoiding companies that are operating in unethical industries that are not well positioned for the future, a Shariah investment strategy places added emphasis on sustainability factors which have now become performance drivers.

In the past years, we have seen an increasing overlap between Shariah and environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles that have created greater awareness of such modern concerns afflicting the planet and society. 

This convergence of principles has also blurred the line between sustainability and Shariah investing, by commanding greater appeal to investors of all faiths. 

However, these advantages does not impede the return potential of Shariah investing despite a smaller investment universe. A Shariah-compliant fund can also be skewed towards a growth-oriented strategy such as through exposure in the technology sector. Not many are aware that well-known global technology companies like Microsoft, Tencent and Nintendo are Shariah-compliant stocks. 

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Disclaimer
This article has been prepared by AHAM Asset Management Berhad (“AHAM Capital”) (formerly known as Affin Hwang Asset Management Berhad) specific for its use, a specific target audience, and for discussion purposes only. All information contained within this presentation belongs to AHAM Capital and may not be copied, distributed or otherwise disseminated in whole or in part without written consent of AHAM Capital.

The information contained in this presentation may include, but is not limited to opinions, analysis, forecasts, projections and expectations (collectively referred to as “Opinions”). Such information has been obtained from various sources including those in the public domain, are merely expressions of belief. Although this presentation has been prepared on the basis of information and/or Opinions that are believed to be correct at the time the presentation was prepared, AHAM Capital makes no expressed or implied warranty as to the accuracy and completeness of any such information and/or Opinions.

As with any forms of financial products, the financial product mentioned herein (if any) carries with it various risks. Although attempts have been made to disclose all possible risks involved, the financial product may still be subject to inherent risk that may arise beyond our reasonable contemplation. The financial product may be wholly unsuited for you, if you are adverse to the risk arising out of and/or in connection with the financial product.

AHAM Capital is not acting as an advisor or agent to any person to whom this presentation is directed. Such persons must make their own independent assessments of the contents of this presentation, should not treat such content as advice relating to legal, accounting, taxation or investment matters and should consult their own advisers.

AHAM Capital and its affiliates may act as a principal and agent in any transaction contemplated by this presentation, or any other transaction connected with any such transaction, and may as a result earn brokerage, commission or other income. Nothing in this presentation is intended to be, or should be construed as an offer to buy or sell, or invitation to subscribe for, any securities.

Neither AHAM Capital nor any of its directors, employees or representatives are to have any liability (including liability to any person by reason of negligence or negligent misstatement) from any statement, opinion, information or matter (expressed or implied) arising out of, contained in or derived from or any omission from this presentation, except liability under statute that cannot be excluded.
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