Standard Chartered offer investors emerging markets opportunities

As Standard Chartered reports record profits, Graham Spooner, investment adviser at The Share Centre, explains what this means for investors.

"This morning, Standard Chartered reported a 20% rise in net profit to $2.52bn for the first half of the year as its focus on emerging markets continues to pay off. The bank also benefitted from tight cost controls, which it has said will continue for the remainder of the year.

"The company's exposure to Taiwan, Korea, China, Pakistan, India and Thailand, along with other emerging markets, means it is geared to benefit from any upturn in the economic situation. It is well placed to benefit from Asia's rise in personal wealth and a growing middle class.

"Further positive news was that bad debt charges fell across both the consumer banking and wholesale banking divisions. The company also said it had started the second half of the year well and has continued to see good income momentum during July.

"For investors looking for an emerging market play and willing to accept the degree of risk associated with these regions and the sector, Standard Chartered is a stock to consider. Since November the share price has fallen and this decline provides a more attractive entry point."