Its CEO and executive director Teh Chi-cheun said the risk stemming from policies and politics had caused markets to be more volatile.

However, he said both global and local economic data continued to be strong and sustainable, which had translated into decent market performance to date in 2018, following a good run in 2017.

“We expect markets to continue on an uptrend albeit with even more market volatility ahead. In short, expect a ‘choppy’ market,” he said in a statement issued through Bernama.

Teh said in Malaysia, the impending general election might cause a slowdown in activities as investors and businesses await the dissolution of Parliament and the various political campaigns.

“That said, for the local bourse there are pockets of opportunities in this environment,” he added.

Teh said global issues which could cause markets to be volatile include the rising trade tensions, the impact of interest rate hikes in the US, tapering in the Eurozone, changes in the US administration, Brexit negotiations and geopolitical risks whether in the Middle East, Russia or North Korea.

In the same statement, Pacific Mutual announced income distributions amounting to RM15.8 million for investors of seven of its funds.

The company declared annual income distributions of 5 sen per unit for Pacific Pearl Fund; 2.5 sen per unit for Pacific Dana Aman; 1.7 sen per unit for Pacific Dana Murni; and 2.5 sen per unit for Pacific Focus China Fund.

The company also declared quarterly distribution of 0.4 sen per unit for Pacific Cash Fund. In addition, monthly distributions were declared for Pacific Cash Deposit Fund at 0.3 sen per unit and Pacific OCBC Cash Fund at 0.25 sen per unit for the month of March.