MONEY MASTER

Emerging markets suffered a sharp reversal in capital flows in March, with investors pulling out  US$70.3 billion , marking the  largest outflow since the Covid-19 market crash in 2020 . Massive Equity Selloff Led by Asia Data from the  Institute of International Finance  showed that  equities accounted for the bulk of the outflows , with  US$56 billion withdrawn  — the largest equity exodus in at least two decades. The selloff was heavily concentrated in  emerging Asia , which absorbed most of the equity withdrawals following strong inflows earlier in the year. This reversal represents a  “sharp regime break” , triggered by geopolitical shocks linked to the  Iran conflict . Oil Shock and Tech Repositioning Drive Risk-Off Shift The outflows were driven by a combination of factors: Oil prices surged ~50% to above US$100 , raising inflation concerns Investors reduced exposure to  technology-linked equities , a key driver of Asian mark...

While global markets reel from surging oil prices triggered by the Iran war, one unlikely market is showing resilience — China. Despite being the world’s largest crude importer, Chinese stocks, bonds and the yuan have held firm, outperforming most major markets during the recent turmoil. Key Takeaways CSI 300 down just 0.3% since conflict began Yuan steady; trade-weighted RMB index hits one-year high 10-year China bond yields barely moved (+1bp) Strategic reserves and EV dominance cushion oil shock Resilience seen as tactical, not structural China vs. Global Markets Since late February: Japan: -6% South Korea: -9% India: -4% Europe: -5% US: -1.4% China (CSI 300): -0.3% China has preserved capital better than most global markets during the oil spike. The yuan has outperformed nearly all Asian currencies, while China’s 10-year government bond yield rose just 1 basis point — compared with more than 20 basis points for US Treasuries. Why China Is Holding Up 1. Energy Security Strategy For ...

Indonesian markets came under heavy pressure as escalating Middle East tensions triggered fresh capital outflows, pushing the rupiah to historic lows and sending equities toward bear-market territory. Key Takeaways Rupiah falls past Asian Financial Crisis levels Jakarta Composite Index drops 5%, nearing bear market Oil surge adds inflation pressure to net oil importer Investor confidence already shaken by ratings outlook cuts Rupiah Breaks Historic Support Indonesian rupiah  weakened 0.6% to 17,015 per US dollar, slipping below its January record low and breaching levels last seen during the Asian Financial Crisis. The currency is now down 1.8% year-to-date, ranking among Asia’s worst performers. Key Point: The rupiah’s break below crisis-era levels signals deep investor anxiety.  Stocks Slide Toward Bear Market Jakarta Composite Index  tumbled 5%, putting the benchmark on track to enter a  bear market  (down 20% from recent highs). Indonesia’s equities are also...