Investors bullish on emerging markets, US: survey

Amid troubles in the euro zone, the emerging-market equities have emerged as the most- preferred investment class, followed by the US at a distant second place, a global survey of fund managers has found.

As per the survey conducted by Bank of America-Merrill Lynch, a total of 28% fund managers are 'overweight' on emerging market equities -- the highest for any region.

This was followed by the US at 18%, the survey said.

An overweight stance indicates towards the investors anticipating a relatively better performance from that particular investment class.

"Investors are showing belief in emerging market growth and US resilience, which is key to retaining positive global sentiment," BofA Merrill Lynch Research chief Global Equities strategist Michael Hartnett said.

Notwithstanding, the positive sentiment towards US equities, 53% of the global respondents expect the US to receive a further debt rating downgrade by 2013.

At the same time, given the gloomy situation prevailing in the euro zone, 72% of European respondents said they expected Europe to experience a recession in the coming 12 months, up from a net 37% in October.

Fund managers however, believe, that fears of a global recession have eased. A net 31% of investors expect the global economy to avoid a recession, up from a net 25% last month.

"European growth concerns are more intense but sentiment looks to be close to rock bottom – unless Europe's problems spread to the rest of the world," BofA Merrill Lynch Research head of European Equities strategy Gary Baker said.

Despite broad risk aversion, investors became more positive on emerging markets this month. A net 27% of respondents reported being overweight on emerging markets in November, up from 9% in October, the report said.

Behind the increased exposure to emerging market equities is the increased faith of investors in the resilience of China's economy, with three quarters of investors forecasting a "soft landing" for China.

Asia-Pacific investors increased their China exposure to the highest level in four months as their China growth outlook improved. Indonesia is the next favorite, followed by the Philippines and Hong Kong.

Investors are however, underweight on Korea and Australia, which are now the most "unloved countries" among Asia-Pacific investors, the report said.

Fears of higher inflation, which has cast a shadow over emerging markets in recent months has eased to an extent.