Navigating through Turbulent Markets: A Roundtable Discussion

4 May 2009 (2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

Capital markets worldwide are going through turbulent times. The after shocks of a global credit crunch and declines in property prices in the US and other countries are combining with an inflation shock, and in some economies, a monetary response. Economic activity in the US, Japan and Europe has slowed significantly. Developing Asia - the fastest growing major region in the world since the turn of the century - has continued to outpace the global average by a wide margin, but the pace of growth has cooled as export volumes have weakened due to slower growth in the industrialized economies. One thing looks clear: the global economy is facing a period of rebalancing as it confronts a strong deceleration in economic activity.

Meanwhile, after several years of spectacular returns, investors have experienced a strong reversal of fortune. In virtually all parts of the global capital markets (with the exception of US Treasury), prices have fallen and risk premiums have risen.

  • How should investors respond in these circumstances?
  • Does the widening risk premia in the capital markets present an opportunity, or is it a signal that lasting dislocations lie ahead?
  • With the US consumer in trouble, can Asia sustain its export-led growth?
  • How can long-term investors uncover bargains across a wide range of assets?

These and other questions will be answered in this seminar. A panel of expert speakers, representing a powerful mix of diverse market segment expertise, will discuss the current global economic environment and present their investment insights. Participants will be able to share their perspectives with the speakers during the question and answer session that follows.

PROGRAM/SPEAKERS

Mark Mobius
Executive Chairman, Franklin Templeton Investment

Robert Parker
Vice Chairman, Credit Suisse Asset Management

Jeffrey Shafer
Vice Chairman, Global Banking, Head of Economic and Political Strategies, Citi

Eisuke Sakakibara
Professor, Waseda University, Japan

Visit Tantisunthorn
Secretary General, Government Pension Fund, Thailand

Moderator:
Marsha Vande Berg
Chief Executive Officer, Pacific Pension Institute, USA

Note: All times are in GMT+08. For inquiries, e-mail: amseminars@adb.org.