BlackRock Asian Tiger Bond Fund
It’s Asia’s moment. Make it yours too.
Why Asia matters now
Asian credit can complement your global and U.S. fixed income exposure by adding a broader set of opportunities – helping you navigate a more fragmented environment. Here are three reasons why the region deserves a closer look:
- Growth that stands out
- Shorter duration, less rate sensitivity
- A more contained default cycle
4.8%
Forecasted growth of Asia ex-Japan region1
Faster than the U.S., developed markets and other emerging market regions – helping support a compelling long-term backdrop for the region.
4.5
Average duration of Asian credit, in years2
Shorter than U.S. and global corporate bonds, which may help reduce sensitivity to rate moves, for lower volatility.
1.9%
Projected default rate of Asia ex-Japan high yield bonds3
Lower than other regions and pointing to a more stable credit backdrop.
1Bloomberg, 30 April 2026. There is no guarantee that any forecasts made will come to pass.
2BlackRock, as of 30 April 2026. There is no guarantee that any forecasts made will come to pass.
3JP Morgan, 15 May 2026. There is no guarantee that any forecasts made will come to pass. Other regions: Emerging markets high yield, US high yield, Europe high yield.
Rethink diversification
Markets have changed. Drawing returns from more places can smoothen your investment journey.
Frequently asked questions
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Asian credit refers to bonds issued by governments, government-related entities and companies across Asia. As a deep, multi-sector market, investors use it because it is another source of income and return potential that isn’t solely driven by the same forces as US- or Europe-heavy bond markets.
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If your portfolio is heavily tilted to traditional global fixed income, adding Asian credit may help balance risk and return potential when markets shift. One simple way to think about it: blending Asian credit with global fixed income means you’re not relying on just one region or one interest-rate cycle. Asian bonds can also be influenced by regional growth, domestic demand, and issuer fundamentals, which may make them a complement to more US rate-driven bond exposure.
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Asian credit can extend beyond the bonds typically found in traditional indices, into areas such as local currency debt, convertible bonds and securitized assets. This creates a broader set of return sources and can support a more diversified portfolio. The BlackRock Asian Tiger Bond Fund invests across this wider opportunity set, rather than focusing only on the bonds most commonly represented in standard benchmarks.
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Many Asian issuers are more domestically focused, regulated or policy-linked, which can help reduce sensitivity to external shocks. This includes sectors such as financials, utilities and infrastructure, where policy support and defensive cashflows can add resilience, as well as parts of tech where exposure can be gained through bonds or convertible bonds. Less than 4% of the Asian credit market is exposed to tariff risk*, and with a wide mix of countries and sectors, active management can help identify the strongest opportunities across a more dispersed market.
