INVESTING INTO MICROFINANCE

Abstract

This paper investigates investment performance of microfinance investment funds. The examined funds have recorded lower total risk than global stocks and bonds (measured by four benchmark indices) with moderate but stable returns. The analysis revealed that investment in microfinance investment funds that focus especially on debt instruments represents an attractive opportunity for the portfolio diversification as this asset class does not show any positive correlation with global or emerging capital markets. At the same time, it provides adequate risk-adjusted returns and may be therefore attractive not only for investors with a particular interest in the socially responsible aspect of investment into microfinance. Santrauka Šiame straipsnyje nagrinejamos investicijos i investicinius mikrofinansu fondus. Nagrinejami fondai yra žemesnes bendrosios rizikos nei pasaulio akcijos ir obligacijos (apskaičiuotos pagal keturis atskaitos rodiklius) su vidutiniška, bet stabilia graža. Analize parode, kad investavimas i investicinius mikrofinansu fondus, ypač i susijusius su isiskolinimo priemonemis, yra patraukli galimybe verslo portfolio diversifikacijai, nes ši turto kategorija nerodo jokios teigiamos koreliacijos su pasaulio ar naujomis kapitalo rinkomis. Tuo pačiu metu tai teikia adekvačia graža pagal rizika ir todel gali būti patrauklūs ne tik investuotojams, turintiems tam tikru interesu.