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Emerging Stocks Extend Rally as Currencies Advance Amid Inflows

©2016 Bloomberg News
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(Bloomberg) — Emerging-market stocks rose for a fifth day in this year’s longest rally, and inflows boosted currencies after U.S. data beat estimates and on optimism that China is working to regain investors’ confidence.

Health care and technology shares led gains in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, with all 10 industry groups advancing. China’s stocks rose for a third day on bets policy makers will unveil more measures to boost growth at this week’s legislative meetings. Developing-nation currencies strengthened for a fourth day, with South Korea’s won and Malaysia’s ringgit climbing the most as Brent crude held near its highest close in eight weeks.

Assets in developing countries are rebounding as commodity prices stabilize and on speculation China will do more to tackle the slowest growth in a quarter century. Global funds pumped more than $1.8 billion in emerging Asian stocks and bonds this month, and global equities have recouped more than half of their 2016 losses since sinking to a 2 1/2-year low three weeks ago. Sentiment was also supported by reports showing employment and factory activity in the U.S improved in February.

“Foreign flows have turned positive for some countries, but it’s difficult to conclude that the market has turned bullish,” said Win Phromphaet, the Bangkok-based chief investment officer at CIMB-Principal Asset Management Co., which oversees about $2.25 billion. “We need to closely monitor the Chinese economy and policies. We still have a neutral view on Asian equities and prefer companies with quality earnings growth, such as financial, industrial and telcommunications stocks.”

To contact the reporters on this story: Anuchit Nguyen in Bangkok at anguyen@bloomberg.net; Nupur Acharya in Mumbai at nacharya7@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Garfield Reynolds at greynolds1@bloomberg.net Amit Prakash, Andrew Janes

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Men of Value Contributor

Men of Value Contributor

Articles by various contributors to Men of Value, an online magazine for American men who value our Judeo-Christian values of faith, family, and freedom.

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