Ria July 2026 Portfolio Performance Review

Ria portfolios recorded softer performance over the past 1 month, primarily due to the decline in the ASN Equity Global Fund (-8.34%). As a result, portfolios with higher equity exposure, namely the Aggressive (-2.05%) and Very Aggressive (-2.40%) portfolios, experienced larger declines during the month. Meanwhile, the Very Conservative (-0.07%) and Moderately Conservative (-0.69%) portfolios were more resilient, supported by their higher allocation to defensive assets such as sukuk and cash.

Despite the short-term weakness, performance remains positive on a year-to-date basis across all portfolios. Returns range from 1.06% for the Very Conservative portfolio to 13.93% for the Very Aggressive portfolio, reflecting the benefits of maintaining exposure to growth assets over time. The Moderate (6.71%), Moderately Aggressive (9.21%), and Aggressive (11.73%) portfolios also continued to deliver solid gains year-to-date.

Looking at longer-term performance, all Ria portfolios remain firmly in positive territory since launch. Returns range from 9.07% for the Very Conservative portfolio to 29.16% for the Very Aggressive portfolio, demonstrating the value of staying invested through different market cycles. Investors with a higher risk tolerance have generally benefited from greater participation in market growth, while more conservative portfolios have continued to provide steadier returns with lower volatility.

While short-term market fluctuations are a normal part of investing, Ria's diversified portfolio approach helps investors remain aligned with their risk appetite and long-term financial goals. Staying invested and maintaining a disciplined investment strategy remains key to capturing opportunities as markets recover and grow over time.

Market Commentary – July 2026

Summary

July was a month of mixed market performance. Investors kept a close eye on inflation, interest rates and developments in the Middle East. While these issues created some uncertainty, global markets remained resilient, supported by strong company earnings and continued excitement around artificial intelligence (AI).

The good news is that many companies continued to report healthy business results, helping to support investor confidence. Markets are still optimistic about the long-term opportunities created by AI, but investors are becoming more focused on which companies can turn these investments into real profits.

Global Markets

Developed markets continued to perform reasonably well during the month. The MSCI World Index gained 0.58%, while the S&P 500 was broadly unchanged at -0.16% (MYR terms). Europe was among the stronger-performing regions, with the MSCI Europe Index rising 1.97%, supported by resilient corporate earnings and improving investor sentiment.

In Asia, performance was more mixed. The Hang Seng Index gained 13.52%, making it one of the best-performing markets in July, while the Nikkei 225 fell 6.20% as investors took profit after a strong run earlier in the year. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index declined 2.98% during the month.

Closer to home, the FBM KLCI gained 3.67%, outperforming many major global markets. Continued support from domestic investors and stable economic conditions helped support the local market.

Commodities and Fixed Income

Oil prices were among the biggest movers in July. Crude oil rose 23.60%, driven by concerns about potential supply disruptions linked to geopolitical developments in the Middle East. Higher oil prices can contribute to inflation, which remains a key concern for central banks.

Meanwhile, gold edged up by 0.26% during the month, reflecting its continued role as a diversification tool during periods of market uncertainty. In contrast, silver recorded a sharper decline of 3.52%, amid broader weakness in industrial and precious metals markets.

In the bond market, investors adjusted expectations for interest rates. The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged but indicated that rates may remain elevated until inflation moves closer to its target. While this created some volatility in bond markets, higher yields continue to provide attractive income opportunities for long-term investors.

Ria Reminder – Stay Focused on What You Can Control

Market conditions will change, but your investment journey shouldn't

If you've been following market news recently, you've likely seen headlines about inflation, interest rates, oil prices and geopolitical tensions. While these events can influence markets in the short term, they are also a normal part of investing.

July provided a good reminder of why patience matters. While some markets delivered strong gains, others faced periods of weakness. The reality is that no one can consistently predict which market will perform best next month or next year. That's why successful investing is often built on discipline and consistency rather than prediction.

At Ria, your portfolio is designed to navigate different market conditions through diversification across regions and asset classes. Some investments may perform better than others at different points in time, but together they work towards supporting your long-term financial goals.

Instead of focusing on short-term market movements, focus on the things you can control:

• Staying invested
• Investing regularly
• Maintaining a diversified portfolio
• Remaining aligned with your risk profile

One simple way to stay on track is through Auto Labur, which helps you invest consistently regardless of market conditions. By investing regularly, you'll be building good financial habits while reducing the temptation to react to short-term market noise.

And if you've found value in your investment journey with Ria, why not share it with your family and friends? This Merdeka season, we're celebrating with a Special Enhanced Referral Reward Campaign, where both you and your referred friend can receive RM25 each upon successful referral and fulfilment of the campaign requirements.

Whether they're just beginning their investment journey or looking for a smarter way to invest, Ria can help them take their first step towards achieving their financial goals. After all, building better financial futures is even more meaningful when it's done together.

Starting from 16 August 2026 to 30 September 2026:

👉 Refer a friend and enjoy RM25 for you, RM25 for them.

Remember, building wealth is often more about time in the market than trying to time the market. Small, consistent steps taken today can make a meaningful difference to your financial future.

Keep investing. Keep growing. Stay focused on the long term.