Acuity Stockbrokers says time for locals to invest as “Lion” is leading frontier markets

Friday, 20 July 2012 02:39 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Acuity Stockbrokers Ltd. on Wednesday sent a strong message that it is time investors grabbed early opportunities to invest in equities based on attractive valuations as the “Lion” is leading frontier markets.

Its latest research report on the Lankan economy and equity market was launched via a forum involving an expert panel and its clients.

“Despite room for risks, Sri Lanka’s investment case is compelling both comparatively and fundamentally. Sri Lanka’s broad institutional framework is stronger relative to frontier market peers; its correlation to global equities is lower than that of peers. At a macro-economic level, we see upside potential in the mid to long-term despite some short term pressure,” the Acuity Research's strategy document said.

Acuity Stockbrokers Chairman Ray Abeywardena explaining the decision to launch the report and its timing told the Daily FT that “rather than being complacent or dejected over the dip in the market, we decided to take a proactive stand based on top research to drive home the point to investors that in the past there had been downturns but the market has recovered substantially thereafter.”

“We have seen for several months how foreigners have invested owing to greater value in Colombo and our analysis establishes the fact that Sri Lanka is leading the pack among frontier markets. Via our research we are making a compelling case why locals too should seize the opportunity than missing out,” Abeywardena added.

The panel included IMF Resident Representative in Sri Lanka and the Maldives Koshy Mathai who gave an overview on the performance of the economy and Frontier Research Ltd. Director Amal Sanderatne who traced how the Bourse was 12 years ago and those who invested had benefited on the upturn, as well as HNB Managing Director Rajendra Theagrajah and Expolanka Holdings Group CEO Hanif Yusoof.