Ashmore AuM drop on Middle East disruption

(Sharecast News) - Emerging markets assets manager Ashmore reported a drop in third-quarter assets under management on Thursday, pointing to disruption from the conflict in the Middle East. In the quarter to the end of March, assets under management fell by $1.8bn to $50.7bn, driven by a negative investment performance of $0.9bn and net outflows of $0.9bn.

Ashmore said positive momentum from 2025, supported by macro fundamentals and an ongoing capital rotation into emerging markets, continued into the period. However, this was interrupted by the broadening of the Middle East conflict at the end of February.

This resulted in heightened global market volatility, with some investors adopting a 'wait and see' approach.

Chief executive Mark Coombs said: "Geopolitical events interrupted some of the macro tailwinds supporting emerging markets, but the reaction across most asset classes has so far been manageable and with limited price dislocations. In the near term, investors globally are taking a more measured stance until there is greater clarity in the outlook for the duration of the conflict and its implications for factors such as commodity prices, inflation, interest rates and currency trends.

"As ever, it is paramount to understand the rich diversity of emerging markets and therefore to manage portfolios actively to deliver investment performance. Ashmore's specialist approach and long history of investing in emerging markets, across different cycles and complex geopolitical and macro events, means it is well positioned to navigate the current environment."

At 1005 BST, the shares were 3% lower at 215.22p.

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