Momentum still healthy | Bangkok Post: business

Emerging markets and Asia in particular appear poised to continue their good growth momentum in the near future despite struggles in the western hemisphere, as the trend of intraregional trade continues to thrive.

"The markets are looking up and are very good," said Mark Mobius, the veteran investment guru and executive chairman of Templeton Emerging Markets Group, who oversees about $40 billion worth of assets.

Mr Mobius, who can claim annualised returns of about 20% on his funds over the past five to seven years and about 12% on his diversified Asia Growth Fund since 1988, says the emerging markets _ be they in Asia or others such as Peru, Argentina or Mexico _ continue to remain vibrant and offer good returns.