AHAM Asset Management Berhad ( AHAM Capital ) has declared a total income distribution of 1.11 billion ringgit ( US$246.58 million ) for the financial year 2024, spanning 89 wholesale and retail funds managed by the company. These funds encompass a diverse set of strategies and asset classes including equities, bonds, and mixed assets.
The amount represents an average distribution yield ranging from 4% to 8% across the funds.
“In 2024, our strategic positioning in Malaysian equities paid off, supported by strong market performance driven by policy reforms and a surge in foreign direct investments,” says Anton Tan, chief officer of product solutions at AHAM Capital.
“Additionally, easing inflationary trends and interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve created a supportive backdrop for fixed income markets, contributing to the overall stability of our income strategies.”
Strong yields
The company’s Select and World Series funds delivered strong income distribution yields ranging from 4.0% to 8.0% across various asset classes and strategies.
The AHAM World Series – Income Fund achieved an impressive yield of 8.3% by capitalizing on global income opportunities, while the AHAM Select SGD Income Fund and AHAM Select AUD Income Fund each recorded a yield of 4.50%, offering investors the advantages of currency diversification.
In the Shariah-compliant segment, the AHAM Aiiman Income Plus Fund and AHAM Aiiman Quantum Fund delivered competitive yields of 4.50% and 4.60%, respectively.
As at December 31 2024, AHAM Capital’s total assets under administration stood at approximately 9 billion ringgit, encompassing assets under management, investment advisory, and those under distribution.
Looking ahead to 2025, Anton adds: “As the global stage shifts under Trump’s new administration, alongside heightened geopolitical tensions and persistent currency volatility, the need for diversification is more critical than ever. Income strategies help provide a cornerstone for portfolio resilience by offering stability and capital preservation in an uncertain environment.
“While the pace of rate cuts may slow, and interest rates could remain higher-for-longer, the current environment still offers a rare window for income-seeking investors to lock-in higher yields today.”