Ria Portfolio Performance Review – June 2025

June marked a strong rebound across our investment lineup, led by robust performances in equity markets. ASN Equity Global surged 3.94%, its best showing in recent months, while ASN Equity Malaysia slightly outpaced it with a 3.97% return, reflecting strong domestic market momentum. ASN Sukuk remained a consistent contributor, delivering a 0.35% return and continuing its role as a reliable income anchor, especially valuable during periods of market volatility.

This strength in equities lifted all portfolio strategies, with higher-risk profiles capturing the most upside. The Very Aggressive strategy led with a 3.79% return, followed by Aggressive at 2.99% and Moderately Aggressive at 2.26%. More conservative strategies also benefited, with Moderate up 1.61%, Moderately Conservative up 1.03%, and Very Conservative rising 0.39%. Year-to-date, most portfolios showed meaningful recovery, with the Moderate and more conservative strategies now in positive territory, and higher-risk profiles closing in on breakeven.

Since Ria’s launch, mid-risk strategies have delivered the strongest cumulative growth, with the Moderately Aggressive portfolio topping the pack at 7.61%, followed by Aggressive at 7.43% and Moderate at 7.04%. The Moderately Conservative and Very Conservative strategies have provided steady progress at 6.44% and 5.93% respectively, while the Very Aggressive portfolio, despite higher volatility, has still achieved a solid 5.57%. These results underline how our diversified lineup offers meaningful gains across all risk levels, rewarding investors who stay the course.

Market Commentary – June 2025

Global stock markets extended their recovery in June, building on May’s momentum amid growing confidence that the global economy remains resilient and inflation continues to ease. The central focus for investors was monetary policy, particularly the US Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates unchanged while signalling potential cuts later this year. The MSCI World Index gained 3.43% in June, bringing its year-to-date return to 3.84%. US equities had a strong month, with the S&P 500 rising 4.63%, although year-to-date gains remain modest at 0.58% due to earlier volatility in 2025.

European markets have emerged as standout performers this year. Germany’s DAX rose 2.17% in June and is up an impressive 28.21% year-to-date, driven by strong export demand, particularly from China. France’s CAC 40 gained 1.66% for the month and is up 14.27% year-to-date, while the UK’s FTSE 100 added 0.85%, lifting its year-to-date performance to 12.85%. Japan’s Nikkei 225 delivered a 5.40% gain in June and now sits at 5.43% for the year, benefiting from a weaker yen and ongoing corporate reforms. Hong Kong’s market also posted a solid 2.59% gain in June, pushing year-to-date returns to 14.09%. In contrast, Malaysia’s FBM KLCI recorded a modest 1.77% gain for the month but remains down 4.64% for the year, highlighting the performance gap between local and global markets.

Commodities and fixed income markets showed mixed results. Oil prices rebounded 4.69% in June amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East but remain down 14.74% for the year. Gold edged up 0.42% during the month and has delivered an exceptional 25.86% return year-to-date, reflecting investor demand for safe-haven assets. US government bonds rallied in June as yields fell 3.92%, driven by expectations of rate cuts, although they are still down 7.46% for the year when measured in Malaysian ringgit. Overall, June’s market performance reinforces the value of global diversification and the benefits of staying invested through market cycles, particularly for investors who may have missed global gains by focusing solely on domestic markets.

Ria Reminder – When Markets Rise, Stay Grounded

June was a rewarding month for investors, with markets gaining and portfolios climbing. But in times like these - when everything seems to be working - it's easy to forget the long-term game. Strong returns can sometimes create a false sense of security or even tempt you to take more risk than you're truly comfortable with.

That’s why now is the perfect time to check in on your portfolio - not to chase returns, but to ensure your investment plan still aligns with your life goals and risk comfort. Are you still investing with purpose, or has the recent rally shifted your expectations? A great portfolio doesn’t just perform in good times - it’s one you can stick with in any market condition.