Aberdeen Emerging Markets Accumulation Shares

The balance of economic power is shifting from West to East, representing the continuance of a cycle where over the long term the world's economic centre of gravity shifts between nations and continents.

Asia accounted for the majority of world output in 18 of the last 20 centuries. It was only relatively recently - since the Industrial Revolution - that Britain, Europe and the US 'emerged' as economically dominant superpowers. Now, with much development that bears a striking resemblance to our own Industrial Revolution (albeit over a much shorter period), the balance of power is turning towards the East.

Generally the sooner you invest the more you stand to benefit, but the themes driving growth in emerging markets will play out over the longer term. There will undoubtedly be some ups and downs along the way. All investments can fall in value as well as rise, and emerging markets tend to be volatile, so please ensure you are comfortable with the risks before you invest.

China has established itself as the 'workshop of the world'; a high-growth, high-investment behemoth. For 30 years it has produced what the West wanted cheaply. It's a similar story in Brazil and India, renowned for mining and agricultural exports and business and software services respectively.

As exports increase, a virtuous circle is set in motion. Infrastructure development becomes both a cause and effect of economic expansion. More roads, railways, ports and airports create jobs and increase capacity to produce. The sums involved are almost beyond comprehension. China allocated over $700 billion to help build and connect some 150 cities, each with populations above or approaching 1 million, between 2006 and 2010.

People are drawn in from rural areas to the cities by rising income and a better standard of living. A more prosperous and well-educated society is developing and young, dynamic populations have resulted in a vast middle class, set to reach half a billion in India alone by 2025. This 'demographic dividend' means local consumers sustain their economies and they become less reliant on exports.

Lower government and consumer debt, none of the crippling pension deficits of the West and a banking system in good financial shape can only help. Additionally, if strength in emerging markets causes their currencies to strengthen against the Pound, UK investors could benefit, though the reverse could also happen.

We believe one of the best ways to capture this phenomenal potential for long-term growth is through an expert manager who can invest across the whole sector, selecting what they feel are the best aspects of each market. The Aberdeen Emerging Markets Fund is run by a highly experienced team which visits over 1,400 companies a year in search of the best opportunities from worldwide emerging markets.

The fund's track record is impressive; it is the best performing in the sector over 10 years, but please remember past performance is not a guide to the future.

Whether increasing one's exposure to emerging markets or looking to invest for the first time, I firmly believe this fund offers a compelling choice for the more adventurous investor.