Platinum launches Asian LIC

Platinum Asset Management has launched a new listed investment company, named Platinum Asia Investments, which, as the name suggests, will focus on investing across Asia (although it excludes Japan). Platinum has long been keen on Asia and managing director Kerr Neilson makes a compelling case for investing in the region in the prospectus.

It's a smart move for Platinum. Although it's peanuts financially, adding less than 1% to revenues if the full $150m is raised, it should help raise the fund's profile and link it with investing in Asia, perhaps eventually boosting the unlisted Platinum Asia Fund, although it will initially compete with it for funds, at least to some extent.

Which of these funds makes sense will depend on personal circumstances, such as the size and duration of your investment, but either would be a reasonable choice for most people interested in investing in the region. You can read more about it in Platinum Asia Calling in the Insights section.

Platinum's share price is down 9% since Platinum Asset Management: Interim Result 2015 on 20 Feb 15 (Hold – $8.14) and 18% since Time to Sell Platinum on 4 Feb 15 (Sell $9.06), but still remains well above our $6 Buy price. We'll take a close look at that following the final results, which are due on 20 August. HOLD.