Singapore investment company Temasek's portfolio value likely rebounded to scale a record in the year ending March, boosted by a rally in global markets and the public listing of some of its holdings.
Analysts expect the value of Temasek's assets to have jumped more than 20 per cent in the year ending March, pushing up the portfolio value to roughly $375 billion - after dipping 2.2 per cent to $306 billion a year ago - which marked the first drop after three consecutive years of gains.
The long-term outlook for Temasek has been clouded by its support to pandemic-hit businesses. Temasek bulked up funding to Singapore Airlines and offshore marine services firm Sembcorp Marine, among others.
CIMB Private Banking economist Song Seng Wun said: "We have seen broad economic growth and a rebound in financial markets, but there are industries which are facing headwinds, so the challenge for big long-term investors like Temasek and GIC really is about managing portfolios in which occasionally, some sectors will take a hit."
Temasek is anchored in Asia, with a 66 per cent exposure to the region as measured by underlying assets, most of which are in China and Singapore. But the investor has been stepping up investments in the United States, especially in the tech sector.
Temasek said it will give details of its annual performance this week, while larger investor GIC will publish its annual report later this month.
Analysts expect no major change to Temasek's strategy, though senior executive Dilhan Pillay is set to take over as the chief executive of the investment firm from Ms Ho Ching, who is retiring after heading Temasek for 17 years.
Unlike many state investors, the majority of Temasek's investments are in equities, with unlisted assets making up a record 48 per cent of its portfolio in the year to March 2020.
Global equities have surged over the past financial year, with MSCI's Asia shares ex-Japan index rallying 55 per cent and Singapore's Straits Times Index rising 28 per cent.
"There remains a flood of liquidity, so competition for funding is still fierce," said Mr Song.
Among the shares held by Temasek that posted strong gains over the past financial year, DBS Group surged 55 per cent, Standard Chartered rose 12 per cent and China Construction Bank gained 16 per cent.
Some other firms in Temasek's portfolio, notably Airbnb and food delivery firm Doordash, had public listings.
Managing director of sovereign wealth fund tracker Global SWF Diego Lopez said: "I don't expect Temasek's medium-to long-term strategy to change due to any result this year - it is obviously ruled by a long-term horizon and aims at anticipating the market by being one of the world's largest and most active investors in VC (venture capital) and technology."
REUTERS
