22 December 2025
While many of us are counting down to Christmas, MPF scheme sponsors and fund managers are counting down to a different event: the announcement of MPF Ratings’ 2026 Gold Rated MPF Schemes and Fund Managers of the Year. These awards recognise the best-performing fund managers across all major asset classes. In a category like Asian equities, where the one-year performance difference between the best and worst funds is a whopping 13.28%*, the manager who tops the chart truly deserves the title.
With less than a month to go before year’s end, the “Race to First” among the 24 Asian Equity funds is heating up. The top fund is up 30.56%, compared to a median of 23.22% and a low of 17.28%*. That’s quite a divergence. Currently leading the pack is the AIA MPF – Prime Value Choice’s Asian Equity Fund.
So, why do these performance differences exist? One reason is the benchmarks the funds are measured against. In Asia, there are numerous benchmarks with subtle differences that can significantly impact returns. These can include Developed Asia, Emerging Asia, Asia ex-Japan, or Asia including the Pacific. The list goes on. The best way to understand a fund and its benchmark is to contact your MPF provider or consult an investment professional. For Mr MPF, keeping things simple is key. In Asia, that means getting the broadest regional coverage, which is what AIA’s Asian Equity Fund offers.
Why does Mr MPF prefer this approach?
The fund is managed against an Asia Pacific benchmark, meaning it invests not only in Greater China and North and South-East Asia but also as far afield as India and Australia/New Zealand. This gives investors comprehensive Asian coverage. Why does Mr MPF prefer this approach? Because a single fund provides an opportunity to invest in leading companies across various markets while benefiting from diversification. The Indian stock market behaves very differently from the Australian market, which in turn performs differently from Hong Kong and China. Diversification helps spread risk and offers a logical, balanced approach to growing your money.
With less than a month to go, AIA Asian Equity Fund has its nose in front in the “Race to First” for the 2026 Asian Equities Fund Manager of the Year. Will its year-to-date return of 30.56%* be enough to win? Stay tuned to find out.
*Source: MPF Ratings’ MPF Performance Survey as at 30th November 2025
The information contained in this blog is not advice, it is for educational purposes, general in nature and does not take into account personal situations. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek professional advice from a financial adviser.
