U.S. equity markets ended close to their 52-week lows in Dec 20 trading, largely dragged down by Federal Reserve’s decision to hike its benchmark interest rate and the possibility of a government shutdown. Broader macroeconomic factors and the volatility in the financial markets were responsible for the continuing losses as well.

Given the recent turbulence in U.S. equity markets, it might be a good idea to turn your attention toward Asian and emerging markets, which have a good performance outlook for 2019.

Morgan Stanley is “Outright Bullish” on Asian Markets

China’s new accommodative monetary policies could boost Asian markets next year, per a Morgan Stanley report released on Dec 20. The investment bank said that after declining in late October and early November, Asian markets could turn around in 2019.

Jonathan Garner, Morgan Stanley's chief equity strategist for Asia and emerging markets, said, "The Chinese monetary cycle is diverging from the U.S. monetary cycle”.

Garner’s comments referred to the Federal Reserve’s quarter-point rate hikes on Dec 19 for the fourth time in 2018 and China’s central bank refraining from increasing its short-term borrowing rates the day after. He noted that markets will benefit from Beijing’s loose monetary stance.

China’s Monetary Easing to Aid Asia

In November, Morgan Stanley upgraded emerging market stocks to overweight from underweight for 2019, which means these are good investment options going forward. In contrast, U.S. stocks were downgraded to underweight. Garner noted that the investment cycle was shifting in favor of Asia markets, China in particular.

In addition to keeping interest rates constant, China also took new measures in order to boost its economic activity. Beijing lowered property mortgage rates in some of its cities and introduced a targeted policy tool to encourage lending to private and small businesses earlier this week.

The investment bank also expects emerging markets such as India, China, Brazil, and Indonesia to put up a good performance in the latter half of 2019.

Asian Countries to Emerge as World’s Fastest Growing Economies

According to an HSBC report released in September, China could overtake the United States to be the world’s largest economy by 2030 and India could reach the third position, leaving Germany and Japan behind. In addition, emerging nations could account for half of global GDP in 12 years.

While China is likely to contribute the most to global growth, some Asian economies such as India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Philippines, Pakistan, and Vietnam could be the fastest growing Asian economies globally.

5 Stocks to Buy

Noting the broadly encouraging factors for Asian markets, it might be prudent to invest in some Asian stocks at present.

Woori Bank (WF - Free Report) is a Korean financial holding company that offers banking and financial services.

The company’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 55.2%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has advanced 18.4% over the past 60 days. The stock carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

WNS (Holdings) Limited (WNS - Free Report) offers data, analytics, business transformation, and voice services globally.

The company’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 11.6%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has advanced 6.4% over the past 60 days. The stock carries a Zacks Rank #1.

POSCO (PKX - Free Report) manufactures hot and cold rolled steel products, heavy plate, and other steel products for the construction and shipbuilding industries.

The company’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 20.7%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has advanced 7.3% over the past 60 days. The stock carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

HDFC Bank Limited (HDB - Free Report) provides an array of financial and banking services in India, Dubai, Bahrain, and Hong Kong.

The company’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 8.5%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has advanced 1.5% over the past 30 days. The stock carries a Zacks Rank #2.

Autohome Inc. (ATHM - Free Report) is an online platform for automobile consumers in China.

The company’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 33%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has advanced 0.9% over the past 60 days. The stock carries a Zacks Rank #2.