Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 16, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 16, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleAshmore, the UK-based emerging markets specialist, reported $900 million in net outflows for the third quarter of its fiscal year, as heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East dampened investor appetite for risk. Assets under management fell to $50.7 billion as of March 31, down from $52.5
April 16 (Reuters) - British asset manager Ashmore on Thursday reported net outflows of $900 million for the third quarter of its fiscal year and said market volatility sparked by the Iran war prompted investors to take a "wait and see" approach.
Ashmore shares fell as much as 7% in early trading, before paring some losses, with the stock down 2% at 1115 GMT.
Emerging markets are often vulnerable to capital outflows, currency volatility, political instability and external shocks, pushing investors towards safe-haven assets.
However, the quarterly period reported to end-March did not capture the market rally seen in recent days on hopes for a lasting deal to end the conflict, although huge uncertainties remain.
Analysts said the return to quarterly net outflows at Ashmore after recent improved performance was unexpected.
"We have previously questioned the sustainability of net flows... a view which appears justified by this update," analysts at Deutsche Numis said in a note.
Ashmore said the outflow was mainly down to a redemption by a single institutional client and that subscription activity had otherwise been healthy.
"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," CEO Mark Coombs said in a statement.
London-based Ashmore's assets under management also fell to $50.7 billion as of March 31, compared with $52.5 billion at the end of December.
(Reporting by Rishab Shaju in Bengaluru, additional reporting by Iain Withers; Editing by Nivedita Bhattacharjee)
Ashmore experienced $900 million in outflows due to investor caution amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which affected appetite for emerging market assets.
As of March 31, Ashmore's assets under management fell to $50.7 billion from $52.5 billion at the end of December.
Many investors are adopting a 'wait and see' approach and reallocating their holdings towards safer options.
Yes, Ashmore had reported net inflows in the prior two quarters before returning to outflows in the latest quarter.
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