Ria Portfolio Performance Review – Jan 2026

January 2026 brought positive momentum across the board. ASN Equity Global and ASN Equity Malaysia both climbed 3.1% and 3.0% respectively, benefiting from resilient global and local equity markets. ASN Sukuk dipped slightly by -0.3%, showing how sukuk can sometimes lag when stock markets are performing well.

Given these return profiles, more aggressive portfolios benefited the most, with the Very Aggressive and Aggressive portfolios delivering returns of +2.6% and +2.1%, respectively. Meanwhile, the Very Conservative portfolio declined by -0.2%, making it the only underperformer in January 2026.

Since Ria’s launch in March 2024 through January 2026, long-term returns have favored portfolios with higher equity exposure. The Aggressive and Very Aggressive portfolios emerged as the top performers, returning +16.6% and +16.3%, respectively. Nonetheless, conservative portfolios also posted solid gains, with the Very Conservative portfolio up +7.7% and the Moderately Conservative portfolio gaining +10.4%. Higher returns are accompanied by higher risks, as more aggressive portfolios experienced greater volatility over the investment period.

Market Commentary – January 2026

January 2026 delivered a strong start to the new year for global markets. US stocks rebounded in dollar terms, but the S&P 500 showed a 1.34% decline when measured in MYR, as the strong Malaysian currency offset gains made in US dollar terms. The MSCI World Index rose 2.01% in MYR terms for the month. European markets showed mixed results: the UK's UKX gained 2.08% while France's CAC dipped 1.88%.

Asian markets experienced robust gains in January. Japan's Nikkei surged 4.54% in MYR terms, one of the best performances among major markets. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index climbed 3.61%, benefiting from continued Chinese stimulus. Malaysia's FBMKLCI was another standout performer, rising 3.65% in January, carrying forward December's strong momentum. The ringgit held steady near 3.93 against the US dollar, supporting both foreign investor confidence and local market strength.

Commodities had an exceptional month, though with notable volatility. Gold surged 10.21% in MYR terms by month-end, but the journey was dramatic – prices spiked to over 20% gains mid-month before tapering back as profit-taking set in. Silver was even more spectacular and volatile, jumping 8.19% by January's close, but not before soaring to nearly 60% gains at its peak before pulling back significantly. This extreme volatility in precious metals reflected heightened geopolitical tensions and safe-haven demand, followed by sharp corrections as traders locked in profits. Oil rallied 12.99%, reversing its 2025 decline as supply concerns pushed prices higher. Bitcoin continued its downward spiral, dropping 6.77% as investors favored more stable assets, though it too experienced wild swings throughout the month.

While markets posted solid gains, increased volatility reminded investors that policy uncertainty remains a key theme for 2026. Market volatility, as measured by the VIX index, spiked during the month as President Trump's nomination of a new Federal Reserve Chair sparked concerns about potential shifts in monetary policy. However, smart investors know that volatility is not the enemy – it's often their best friend. Market volatility creates opportunities for outsized returns over the long term for those who have the discipline and stomach to invest when there's "blood in the streets." The biggest mistakes investors make are selling during temporary market declines and missing the recovery that inevitably follows.

January 2026 reinforced the importance of staying invested through volatility. The wild swings in precious metals and the uncertainty surrounding Trump's Fed Chair nomination may continue to create market turbulence, but these periods often present the best buying opportunities for patient investors. The strong performance in precious metals, oil, and Asian equities highlights why diversification matters. As we move further into 2026, the lesson remains clear: embrace volatility as an opportunity, keep emotions in check, stick to your investment plan, and stay invested through both challenging and rewarding periods.

RIA Reminder – Your 2026 Started Strong, Keep It Going

January delivered an impressive start to 2026 that rewarded investors who stayed calm and remained invested despite heightened volatility. Asian markets led the way with strong performances, precious metals surged, and diversified portfolios delivered positive returns across the board. Those who maintained their positions through the month's ups and downs captured solid gains.

One of the best ways to stay disciplined with your investments in Ria is by using the Auto Labur feature, where you can automatically invest monthly or weekly. This removes emotions from the equation and ensures you're consistently building wealth regardless of market conditions.

Log in to Ria and review your January performance. See for yourself how staying invested through the month's volatility has started your year on a positive note. Let's keep this momentum going by continuing to stay invested, keeping emotions in check, and sticking to your plan through both challenging and rewarding periods ahead.