Ria Portfolio Performance Review – Okt 2025
October delivered mixed results across our investment lineup, with global markets showing renewed strength while domestic equities faced headwinds. ASN Equity Global led performance with an impressive 2.98% return, rebounding strongly from earlier volatility, while ASN Equity Malaysia posted a modest 0.18% gain. ASN Sukuk contributed a steady 0.11% return, maintaining its role as a reliable income generator and portfolio stabilizer during varying market conditions.
The divergent performance between global and domestic equities created an interesting dynamic across our portfolio strategies, with October results demonstrating the value of our diversified approach. All portfolio strategies delivered positive returns for the month, ranging from 0.14% for Very Conservative to 1.61% for Very Aggressive. The wider spread between strategies reflects the stronger performance of equity-heavy allocations, with more aggressive portfolios benefiting from the significant global equity rally during the month.
Year-to-date performance shows continued strength across all strategies, with more aggressive portfolios now taking the lead. Moderately Aggressive and Aggressive strategies both delivered 4.91% and 4.99% respectively, while Very Aggressive achieved 5.23%. More conservative portfolios maintained solid performance with Very Conservative at 4.32%, Moderately Conservative at 4.76%, and Moderate at 4.89%, demonstrating the consistent value of balanced allocations throughout the year.
Since Ria's launch, our diversified approach continues to demonstrate consistent value creation across all risk profiles. The Aggressive portfolio leads cumulative returns at 14.69%, closely followed by Very Aggressive at 13.97% and Moderately Aggressive at 13.54%. The Moderate strategy has delivered 11.65%, while our more defensive strategies show solid performance with Moderately Conservative achieving 9.80% and Very Conservative at 7.69%. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of our balanced approach across different market environments, reinforcing our philosophy that disciplined diversification and staying invested through market cycles rewards patient investors.
Market Commentary – October 2025
October 2025 was a month of mixed results for global markets, with some regions showing strength and others seeing weakness. US stocks remained steady, with the S&P 500 gaining 1.87% in October and reaching 10.02% growth for the year. The MSCI World Index also performed well, rising 1.79% for the month and 13.82% so far this year, thanks to solid company earnings and strong demand in technology. In Europe, the story was different across countries: Germany's DAX slipped by 2.11% this month but remains up 25.20% for the year after a strong start. The UK's UKX grew by 1.10% in October and is up 20.30% for the year, while France's CAC added 0.50% for a total gain of 18.45% in 2025.
Asia saw big moves, especially in Japan. The Nikkei Index jumped 11.32% in October, a huge monthly gain that brought its year-to-date rise to 28.02%. This surge was helped by economic reforms and a weaker yen which makes Japanese exports cheaper. In contrast, Hong Kong's HSI dropped by 3.80%, though it still maintains a strong 24.82% year-to-date return as investors worried about the sustainability of China's stimulus measures and policy direction. Malaysia's FBMKLCI barely changed, increasing just 0.05% in October for a modest 1.93% annual return, reflecting a wait-and-see attitude among local investors.
Turning to commodities, gold remained a top performer and safe choice for many, rising 3.25% this month and 42.80% for the year. This reflects ongoing concerns about currency stability and world politics, especially as new tariffs went into effect between the US and China. Oil dropped by 1.91%, with just a 2.80% gain for the year, due partly to increased supply and uneven demand. Bitcoin fell by 4.38% in October, though it's still up 8.72% for the year, showing that in tougher times, people still prefer traditional safe assets like gold.
Japan's stock rally stood out, showing a shift in where investors see value and stability in Asia. Policy changes and stronger company practices gave Japan an edge over its neighbors. Looking ahead, there are plenty of questions for November. The trade truce between the US and China has brought some relief, but uncertainties remain as the agreement is temporary and subject to yearly reviews. The Federal Reserve has been gradually cutting interest rates, with the current target range at approximately 3.75–4.00%, in an effort to support jobs and growth. Markets are pricing in further cuts through 2027, with rates expected to bottom around 3.0% before stabilizing, as policymakers try to balance supporting the economy with keeping inflation under control. If job numbers remain soft, another cut could come in December.
Meanwhile, technology giants and AI companies are driving fresh excitement. With OpenAI planning a major public offering and demand for AI chips surging, the latest generation of AI data centers are being built to run up to 100,000 GPUs each, a major leap from the previous standard of 10,000 to 20,000 GPUs. This rapid scaling is powering a wave of new AI applications that are transforming industries and changing how businesses operate. If you believe AI's growth is just beginning, one of the smartest ways to benefit financially is through consistent investing, especially in funds with global exposure like our ASN Equity Global. Staying invested in this new era could help you participate in the next chapter of technology-driven growth.
Overall, as in previous months, staying focused and diversified paid off. Investors who held their positions in Japanese stocks and safe-haven assets like gold saw the best returns. History suggests that long-term discipline and patience is the safest way to build wealth, even when the headlines are noisy. Those happy at the end of 2025 will likely be the ones who stayed invested and let their money work through the market's ups and downs.
Ria Reminder – Stay Invested and Let Volatility Work For You
October reinforced a timeless lesson for investors: uncertainty is part of the journey, but patience pays off. While the headlines this month focused on trade talks, currency swings, and market drama, those who stayed invested continued to benefit. Global markets delivered mixed results; Japan led with impressive gains, gold soared as the top-performing asset, and some sectors paused for breath. Yet through all these shifts, history rewarded investors who focused on the long term. This month showed how staying diversified can work to your advantage. While some indices retreated, others surged ahead. Gold outperformed stocks and cryptocurrencies, highlighting the value of resilient assets during uncertain times. Opportunities often appear where many least expect; while others watch from the sidelines, your money keeps working for you, quietly capturing growth.
You don’t have to chase every headline or adjust your plan for every market swing. Let your investments do the work and let time be your ally. The strongest financial futures are built not on reaction, but on steady commitment through all the noise and drama.
Log in to Ria and see for yourself how staying invested and avoiding panic creates lasting financial freedom, one month at a time.