Tuesday, 10 May 2022
Written by Sonia Tan, Portfolio Manager of GAX MD
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In this monthly report, we will review MYTHEO’s portfolio performances based on the financial market developments in April 2022.
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You can also learn about MYTHEO’s portfolio performances by playback our webinar below.
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1. Growth Portfolio

‍MYTHEO’s Growth Portfolio was down 4.48% in April 2022, due to a massive sell-off in equities globally. In the US, the Nasdaq Composite tumbled 13.3% in April, the index’s worst monthly performance since 2008, while the S&P 500 fell 8.8% and ended the month at levels last seen in May 2021.

Meanwhile, US GDP decreased at an annual rate of 1.4% in the first quarter of 2022, marking an abrupt reversal for an economy coming off its best performance since 1984.

In Malaysia, the Ringgit depreciated against the US dollar in April by 3.51% to RM4.352 on 30^th April 2022, compared to RM4.203 on 31^st March 2022.

In response, we have conducted portfolio rebalancing coupled with portfolio reallocation to the growth portfolio as May 2022 is the optimization month for the growth portfolio.

- Included WISDOMTREE INDIA EARNINGS (EPI), ISHARES MSCI SOUTH KOREA (EWY) and ISHARES RUSSELL MID-CAP VALUE (IWS);   
- Exited ISHARES MSCI TAIWAN (EWT), ISHARES MSCI SINGAPORE (EWS), SPDR EURO STOXX 50 (FEZ) and ISHARES MSCI GERMANY (EWG).
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Top 3 ETFs (Growth portfolio)

Bottom 3 ETFs (Growth portfolio)

The performance for ETFs returns in USD are slightly weaker than MYR. This is due to the Ringgit has been weakened versus US dollar in recent month, causing the portfolio performance being appreciated more in MYR.

2. Income Portfolio

‍MYTHEO’s Income Portfolio inched lower by -0.62% in April 2022, in line with the market which had seen bond yields rising due to lower demand. The yield on the 10-year US Treasury bond gained 26.08% to close at 2.934% in end-April, up from 2.327% on 31^st March 2022, thereby hitting a new high since May 2019. This came as US Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said that the central bank could be more aggressive with its rate hikes to keep inflation under control.
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Top 3 ETFs (Income portfolio)

Bottom 3 ETFs (Income portfolio)

The performance for ETFs returns in USD are slightly weaker than MYR. This is due to the Ringgit has been weakened versus US dollar in recent month, causing the portfolio performance being appreciated more in MYR.

3. Inflation Hedge Portfolio

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MYTHEO’s Inflation Hedge Portfolio declined slightly by 0.37% in April 2022, mainly due to the negative performance of some of the commodities ETFs.

In the commodities markets, crude oil prices continued to trend upwards in April with Brent crude oil added 1.33% to US$109.34 per barrel on 30^th April 2022, up from US$107.91per barrel on 31^st March 2022. Meanwhile, the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil was also up by 4.39% to US$104.69 per barrel on 30^th April 2022, from US$100.28 per barrel on 31^st March 2022. Gold futures were down by 2.16% to US$1,911.70 per ounce, while silver futures and copper futures declined by 8.12% and 7.21% respectively.
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Top 3 ETFs (Inflation hedge portfolio)

Bottom 3 ETFs (Inflation hedge portfolio)

The performance for ETFs returns in USD are slightly weaker than MYR. This is due to the Ringgit has been weakened versus US dollar in recent month, causing the portfolio performance being appreciated more in MYR.

4. Global ESG Portfolio

Similar to the Growth Portfolio, MYTHEO’s Global ESG portfolio was down by 3.88%, due to massive sell off in equities globally.

In response, we have conducted portfolio rebalancing coupled with portfolio reallocation to the Global ESG portfolio composition as May 2022 is the optimization month for the Global ESG portfolio.
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- Reduced the weightage of ISHARES MSCI USA ESG SELECT ETF (SUSA) and ISHARES ESG AWARE MSCI EM ETF (ESGE);
- Included NUVEEN ESG LARGE-CAP GROWTH ETF (NULG) and ISHARES ESG AWARE MSCI USA ETF (ESGU);
- Exited NUVEEN ESG MID-CAP GROWTH ETF (NUMG).
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Top 3 ETFs (Global ESG portfolio)

Bottom 2 ETFs (Global ESG portfolio)

The performance for ETFs returns in USD are slightly weaker than MYR. This is due to the Ringgit has been weakened versus US dollar in recent month, causing the portfolio performance being appreciated more in MYR.

Chart 1: April 2022 - Portfolio Cumulative Rate of Return in % (MYR)

Balanced allocation consists of 40% Growth, 40% Income and 20% Inflation Hedge.
Source: GAX MD Sdn Bhd, May 2022
‍Note: Past performance is not an indication of future performance

Do you know how to calculate your actual monthly portfolio return?

As part of diversification, the actual portfolio returns to the investors are the combined weightage return from the allocation to each functional portfolio. 

‍For example, if an investor allocates 40% of their investment in Growth, 40% in Income and 20% in Inflation Hedge, the actual monthly portfolio return is -2.11% (40% x -4.48% + 40% x -0.62% + 20% x -0.37%)
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Chart 2: April 2022 – Portfolio Cumulative Rate of Return in % (MYR)

Source: GAX MD Sdn Bhd, May 2022
‍Note: Past performance is not an indication of future performance

*Please note that this is the cumulative performance based on model portfolios in March 2022. Your portfolio performance may differ from the model portfolio as it is subject to any deposits and/or withdrawals, as well as asset allocations made during the month.

Reacting during times of uncertainty
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‍The implications of the US Fed’s interest rate hikes continue to pose uncertainties to the financial market. History shows that when investors invest and stay invested, they're more likely to earn positive returns in the long run.

When markets start to fluctuate, it may be tempting to make financial decisions in reaction to changes to your portfolio. But investors who base their financial decisions on emotion often end up buying when the market is high and selling when prices are low. These investors ultimately have a harder time reaching their long-term financial goals. 

‍How can you avoid making these common investing mistakes? Consider these investment strategies, which can help you reduce the risks associated with investing and potentially earn more consistent returns over time:

‍1.    Asset allocation
2.    Portfolio diversification
3.    Dollar-cost averaging 

‍Asset allocation and portfolio diversification go hand in hand. MYTHEO’s Omakase portfolio combined Growth, Income and Inflation Hedge functional portfolios based on your needs. It offers global diversification to protect against extreme fluctuations in any single asset class.

‍Dollar-cost averaging is a disciplined investment strategy that can help smooth out the effects of market fluctuations in your portfolio.

‍With this approach, you apply a specific investment amount toward your investment portfolio on a regular basis i.e monthly, or quarterly. Over time, it helps to lower the amount you pay for investments and because this strategy is systematic, it can help you avoid making emotional investment decisions (thus minimizing investment risk).

‍Aside from these, MYTHEO strives to obtain the investment results that are suitable for each customer by taking care of all the necessary investment maintenance required including rebalancing, reallocation, re-creation and reprofiling.
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The time you're invested in the market is more important than investment timing. 

In MYTHEO, you can invest with peace of mind as we do the heavy lifting of helping you achieve your long-term financial goals so that you can focus and enjoy your life’s biggest moments.

This material is subjected to MYTHEO's Notice and Disclaimer.

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