Monthly Report

Deutsche Latin American Cos Tst PLC 15 August 2003 Deutsche Latin American Companies Trust PLC REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2003 SUMMARY The Latin American benchmark was up 7.5% in July, outperforming the S&P and Dow Jones Indices but underperforming the Nasdaq and some of their emerging market peers. Year to date Latin America continues to outperform both its emerging market peers and the U.S. markets. Within Latin America, Chile, Brazil and Mexico were the strongest performers in July, up 10.5%, 8.1%, and 7.1% respectively. Argentina fell for the month, down 2.4% in GBP. By sector, July performance was led by materials and consumer discretionary with consumer staples declining. Most Latin American currencies depreciated against sterling for the month with the exception of the Mexican and Chilean pesos which were up 1.3 and 1.7% respectively. Although the Brazilian real and Argentine Peso were off against sterling, they remain the strongest performers to date. A large number of Latin American companies released second quarter earnings in July. The reporting season is nearly over in Mexico and most of the companies owned in the portfolio posted strong results, with the exception of Telmex. In Brazil, results are beginning to come in and have generally been in line or slightly weaker than expectations given the continued softness in the economy. The Trust was slightly behind the index for the month, with the NAV up 6.2%. Again, the country allocation was positive however stock selection, particularly in Brazil was off for the month. Some of the biggest detractors included the Brazilian wireline companies and Ambev, based on weaker results, and Telmex in Mexico. For the year to date, the NAV for the Trust is up 24.7% versus the index of 27.4%. Brazil The Brazilian MSCI rose over 8% for the month despite the currency weakening 1.5% against sterling. News of continued progress on the reform front, a cut in the Copom rate and moderate inflation figures helped spur the market ahead. The government managed to have the Social Security and Bankruptcy Law reforms approved in a special committee for the chamber of deputies and the senate. We now think it may be possible to have this reform passed in Congress by the end of October or November. Industrial production figures remain weak, with May numbers coming in only slightly ahead of a year ago. We do not expect any substantial recovery until at least the fourth quarter this year, as consistent cuts in the interest rate kick in to improve consumer and business sentiment. Retail sales have remained sluggish, a reflection of the decline in real income, deterioration of the labour market and lack of consumer credit. Finally, President Lula's popularity slipped in July however he still commands a favourable rating by 78% of those polled. Mexico The Mexican market gained over 7% in sterling, helped by better U.S. economic data and supportive global markets, despite the disappointing congressional election results earlier in the month. The currency strengthened against sterling, as domestic interest rates stayed low and economic activity data remains sluggish. The Central Bank reduced its 2003 GDP estimate to 2%, the second time this year. The trade deficit continues to improve driven primarily by higher oil exports, as the manufacturing exports continue to be lacklustre. May retail sales were up slightly, the fifth consecutive month of rises however the fall in industrial production figures (again) signals that economic activity remains weak. After the moderately successful election results by the PRI, they appear more willing to move forward on fiscal reform. President Fox's PAN was the clear loser in the July 6 ballot, which ended up with fewer deputies than in the previous Congress. The PRD also came out ahead, doubling its number of deputies. Ongoing corporate results, economic activity data (both in the U.S. and in Mexico) and any structural reform progress remain the key issues for August. On the corporate side, while Telmex's bottom line results were weaker than expected, they continue to post strong EBITDA margins signalling a commitment to profitability. America Movil results surprised on the upside with very strong top line growth. Other large cap stocks which came in with better than expected news included Televisa, Bancomer, Cemex and Walmex, all of which are owned in the portfolio. Chile The Chilean MSCI greatly outperformed the regional index for the month, up 10.5% in sterling terms. The portfolio continues to be underweight the index, at 3.5% versus 10.3% however our stock selection was positive for the month with solid gains by the names held. The Chilean peso strengthened again for the month, up 1.8 as copper prices rose and domestic economic activity was relatively robust. The Central Bank held rates unchanged as inflation remained tame. We continue to search for selective investment opportunities in this market of low liquidity, however remain mindful of balance sheet issues for selective companies (particularly utilities). Argentina The Argentine MSCI fell for the month, down 2.4% as the deceleration of the economy continues to be felt. In addition, the effects of the capital controls imposed in June also contributed to the market's weakness. The currency declined versus sterling and domestic interest rates stayed relatively low. Discussions began with the IMF on a new program. Corporate results and the ongoing IMF negotiations will dominate headlines for August. We remain uninvested in this market at present. Venezuela /Peru The Venezuelan market underperformed the index on concerns over potential changes in the foreign exchange regime. The government made some economic progress, with the announced debt swap proposals, but little political progress with no date for the referendum on Chavez's regime. We have no exposure to this market. The Peruvian market rose nearly 9% in sterling in July as positive commodity prices offset ongoing political noise, with changes at the Central Bank and Ministry of Finance. President Toledo's popularity remains weak and the economy is now showing signs of deceleration. Despite this, the portfolio's sole holding in Peru, the gold company Buenaventura, was a stand out contributor to performance for the month. NET ASSET VALUE Fully diluted 31/07/03 30/06/03 31/07/03 30/06/03 70.7p 66.6p 76.9p 73.7p MID-MARKET SHARE PRICE 31/07/03 30/06/03 Ordinary Shares 58.50p 55.75p Warrants 10.00p 9.75p NAV based on total assets less current liabilities of £33.8 million (£31.8 million). Market exposure 31/07/03 30/06/03 % % EQUITIES Brazil 47.4 45.8 Chile 3.5 3.5 Mexico 47.7 47.8 Peru 2.0 1.8 TOTAL PORTFOLIO 100.6 98.9 Net Current Assets (0.6) 1.1 -------- -------- TOTAL 100.0 100.0 -------- -------- Based on total assets of £36.9 million (£34.9 million). GEARING Gearing at 31/07/03 30/06/03 9.2% 9.5% ==== ==== LARGEST HOLDINGS (market value £36.8 million equal to 99.1% of total portfolio) Country £000's % of portfolio Petrobras Brazil 4,702 12.7 Wal-Mart de Mexico Mexico 3,388 9.1 Telmex Mexico 3,321 8.9 Ambev Brazil 2,152 5.8 Grupo Televisa Mexico 2,025 5.5 Vale do Rio Doce Brazil 2,003 5.4 America Movil Mexico 2,001 5.4 G.F BBVA-Bancomer Mexico 1,963 5.3 Cemex Mexico 1,878 5.1 Banco Itau Brazil 1,876 5.1 Tele Norte Leste Brazil 1,620 4.3 Brasil Telecom Brazil 1,246 3.3 Femsa Mexico 1,103 3.0 Bco Bradesco Brazil 929 2.4 Grupo Modelo Mexico 844 2.3 Gerdau Brazil 836 2.3 Telecom de Chile Chile 788 2.1 Coca-Cola Femsa Mexico 766 2.1 Minas Buenaventura Peru 724 2.0 Pao de Acucar Brazil 654 1.8 Sider Nacional Brazil 593 1.6 Bco Santander Chile 494 1.3 Telesp Celular Brazil 328 0.9 Kimberly-Clark de Mexico Mexico 310 0.8 Aracruz Celulose Brazil 245 0.6 Financial Calendar Half-year 31 August 2003 For further information, contact Mark Pope at Deutsche Investment Trust Managers Limited on 020-7545-0520. For additional copies, changes of address or details of our Private Investors' Plan, low cost ISA and Dividend Reinvestment Plan (a plan through which shareholders, who hold their shares on the Company's main register, can use their dividends to purchase further shares) contact Mark Pope on 020-7545-0520, e-mail address: mark.pope@db.com. Further details of Deutsche Latin American Companies Trust including the latest annual, interim and monthly reports can be found on the Deutsche Investment Trust Managers website located at www.deutsche-its.co.uk. Issued by Deutsche Latin American Companies Trust PLC and approved by Deutsche Investment Trust Managers Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and manager of Deutsche Latin American Companies Trust PLC. Investors should be aware that past performance is not necessarily a guide to future returns, the price of shares and the income from them may fall as well as rise and investors may not get back the amount they invested. Fluctuations in exchange rates may also affect the value of your investment. Investment in Deutsche Latin American Companies Trust PLC presents those risks associated with emerging markets which may at times be illiquid and/or volatile. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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