{"id":25425,"date":"2025-09-11T15:26:45","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T07:26:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.syfe.com\/magazine\/?p=25425"},"modified":"2025-09-12T11:43:03","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T03:43:03","slug":"syfe-core-portfolios-monthly-update-global-rally-broadens-in-august","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.syfe.com\/magazine\/syfe-core-portfolios-monthly-update-global-rally-broadens-in-august\/","title":{"rendered":"Syfe Core Portfolios Monthly Update: Global Rally Broadens in August"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Global markets extended their rally in August. Syfe Core portfolios outperformed benchmarks once again, supported by global diversification. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Global markets stayed strong in August, buoyed by resilient earnings, broad-based rallies in China and Europe, and growing expectations of a Fed rate cut in September. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

China continued as the standout performer, meanwhile, Europe benefited from solid economic data despite lingering political risks. Gold also continued its strong run, providing stability against volatility in sectors like technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Against this backdrop, Syfe\u2019s Core portfolios outperformed benchmarks, highlighting the strength of our diversified approach across equities, fixed income and gold. Our flagship Core Equity100 delivered almost 2% compared to the MSCI ACWI 1.4% and leads the benchmark by over 1% for the last year<\/strong>, mainly driven by our geographic exposures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: All returns throughout the article are quoted in SGD.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Key Highlights and What They Mean for You<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These highlights not only show where returns came from in August, but also illustrate how our approach translates into stronger outcomes for our investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Global exposure continues to pay off<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Syfe research, Aug 2025<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our strategic geographic allocations continue to deliver, with China still leading the way followed by Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our China positions, MSCI China ETF (MCHI)<\/strong> and KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (KWEB)<\/strong> gained 5 & 7% respectively in August, and both have rallied more than 20% YTD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our exposure to Developed Markets ex-US (EFA)<\/strong> also contributed strongly, returning 3% in August and 16% year-to-date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This supports our conviction in maintaining a diversified geographic exposure, which allows us to capture growth opportunities beyond the US while balancing regional risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Factor Comeback in Size, Value & Quality<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After a muted first half, factor exposures staged a rebound. Our position in Dimensional US Targeted Value ETF (DFAT)<\/strong>, which tilts toward Size, Value and Quality, gained 7% in August and was the single largest contributor to Equity100\u2019s monthly return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This matters because factors like Size, Value and Quality remain a foundational part of our long-term Investment strategy. They are scientifically shown to enhance returns over the long-term, even if they sometimes underperform in shorter periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Gold Steadies Multi-Asset Portfolios<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gold extended its strong 2025 rally further in August, now up 24% year-to-date. This made it one of the largest contributors to our Core Growth, Balanced and Defensive portfolio returns whilst also providing diversification and resilience, smoothing overall portfolio volatility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Source: Syfe research, 31 August 2025<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking Ahead<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Uncertainty is a constant in investing, but so is opportunity. Here\u2019s what our investment team is monitoring:<\/p>\n\n\n\n