North Asia flows dwarf Asean, but FX appeals

North Asia remains the darling of global investors, although they should not ignore currency opportunities in Asean markets even amid fears of a currency war. North Asia saw net fund inflows of $40 billion between July last year and January this year, taking cumulative inflows over the past decade to $140 billion. By contrast, Asean saw $10 billion in fund inflows for the six-month period to January this year, taking its tally to around $30 billion since January 2003. UK-based…