Exchange Fund smashes records after investment income hits $252b in 2017

Total assets reached $4.02t which represents a $404.8b annual increase.

The Exchange Fund registered its highest-ever investment income of $252b in 2017 with an investment return of 7.1% with total assets reaching $4.02t by the end of the year.

According to a government press release, fees on placements by fiscal reserves amounted to $23.5b, whilst fee payments on placements by government funds and statutory bodies came in at $8.6b.

Monetary Authority Chief Executive Norman Chan attributes the asset increase to a stellar performance from the global economy and financial markets. 

However, factors including the pace of US rate hike normalisation, trade policies, protectionism and geopolitical tensions pose considerable risks to positive market sentiment.

“We will remain agile and nimble, monitor market developments closely and deploy some defensive measures as and when appropriate,” Chan added.