Commercialbank Investment Seminar Identifies US Equities and the “Next 11” Economies as a Strong Growth Opportunity for Qatari Investors

The seminar, one of a series, was hosted by Commercialbank, in Doha earlier this month for the company’s Sadara and Private Banking clients.  Speaking at the event were some of the most respected international investment specialists from global investing house, Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM).

Commenting on the event, Parvez Khan, General Manager of Commericialbank Investment Services in Doha, said, “Clients are increasingly seeking investment ideas on a global basis; this seminar series can showcase several ways in which Qataris can diversify their portfolio and take advantage of some of the opportunities that might not otherwise be obvious.”

“As one of the world’s biggest and most sophisticated economies, the US offers investors an enormous range of opportunity.  At the same time, ‘the next 11’ growth markets are expected to continue growing at an enormous rate for the next few years.  Commercialbank clients were keen to attend the seminar and to hear more about these exciting markets in more detail from a highly respected global investment firm.”

Positive Outlook for US Equities & Investment Strategy

Extremely attractive gains on the US stock market and the profound impact US equities exert on global equity markets were highlighted by Mr Khan in the seminar.

GSAM’s Sean Gallagher, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, US Value Equities, and John Arege, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager, US Value Equities, presented an overview of the drivers of the US economy and predicted that US stock markets are poised to attract a stronger inflow of funds in 2013, following on from last year’s 13.4% gain in the S&P 500 Index.  The market represents a good investment opportunity for Qatari investors as GSAM expects further gains this year.

The next opportunity - Emerging Market Equities: The Next 11

Salem Bou Auon, MENA-based Executive Director at GSAM, then presented to the audience the opportunity for Qataris looking to benefit from the growth economies of the ‘Next 11’.  The Next 11 is a concept created by Goldman Sachs and includes Egypt, Iran, Turkey, Nigeria, Mexico, Indonesia, Bangladesh, South Korea, Pakistan, the Philippines and Vietnam.

He stated, “The ‘Next 11’ focuses on the large populations and strong pattern of investment spending in these countries, primarily driven by growing consumer demand for goods and services, and will be the key driver of their future growth.”

Mr Khan added, “These markets are expected to deliver strong economic growth over the next couple of decades and will contribute 60% of global GDP over the next 30-40 years, a significant expansion that will benefit companies and people across these countries. Investors have realised excellent returns over the last decade by investing in these markets and all expectations are that investors will continue to reap great rewards from investing in these countries.”  ​