There are many ways to think about global investing. Many talk about countries (“is China’s relative decline over?”). Others think of sectors (“is technology entering a bear market?”). We see the world as themes (“is the emerging middle class increasing the demand for shampoo?”). Few think in terms of sex (though some psychologists say men think about it every 7 seconds). Our Developing China theme adviser, Arisaig Partners, points out that women are changing global economics. The growth in women’s income (USD 5 trillion) in the next 5 years will exceed the GDP growth of China and India combined. Half of the world’s farmers are women, yet they own less than 2% of the land and take home only 10% of global income. Mao Zedong, the “Great Helmsman“, said that women “hold up half the sky”. How poetic therefore that thinking about women’s purchases –cosmetics, soap, chocolate, apparel- conjures up those stocks –Unilever, P&G, Nestlé etc- that are rightly called “Global Autonomies”. Indeed, The Hand That Rocks The Cradle Rules The World.

David Fuller's view

Here is Iain Little's Fund Manager's Diary.

They also have decent dividends, which make them purchase candidates following every significant correction.