Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM) has launched four new investment funds, previously only available to private banking and institutional investors in Singapore, to retail investors.

The new portfolios - Emerging Markets Equity ESG, Global Millennials Equity, Real Estate Equity and Absolute Return Tracker - bring GSAM’s total number of retail-registered funds in Singapore to 22.

“We are pleased to expand our retail offering in Singapore to address local retail investors’ demand for unique and differentiated funds,” says Jessica Jones, head of GSAM’s retail client business in Asia-Pacific, ex-Japan. “The latest additions will provide these investors with access to thematic equity funds and alternatives, which will offer diversification benefits amidst global market volatility and changing investment trends.”

“Thematically, one of the global mega-trends that most excites us currently is the rise of the millennial consumer,” notes GSAM’s Kathryn Koch, co-head of fundamental equity. “We believe targeting companies that benefit from the rising wealth and changing habits of the millennial generation can drive superior long-term returns.”

One of the trends favored by millennial investors involves investing in companies that display strong commitments to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues.  “We believe integrating material ESG factors into an investment decision-making process is a crucial driver of better long-term risk-adjusted returns,” Koch points out. “This is especially true across emerging markets, where information and disclosure are still limited.”

Goldman Sachs, headquartered in New York, has US$1.76 trillion of assets under management as of September, 30, 2019.