BPI Global Equity Funds: Invest in World Markets for Just P1,000

Key Takeaway

• 🏦 Peso Share Classes: BPI Wealth launched peso share classes for two global equity funds — the BPI World Technology Feeder Fund and BPI Global Equity Fund of Funds.
• 💰 P1,000 Minimum: Both global equity funds are accessible for as little as P1,000, making international investing available to ordinary Filipinos.
• 📱 Tech Focus: The World Technology Feeder Fund invests in BlackRock’s World Technology Fund — 47.9% semiconductors, 21.7% hardware, 12.5% software.
• 🌍 Diversified: The Global Equity Fund of Funds offers broad global exposure — 55.8% US, with holdings across tech, financials, and consumer sectors.
• 💱 Currency Impact: Dollar strength boosts returns; dollar weakness reduces them — but currency exposure aids diversification.

Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is making it easier than ever for Filipinos to invest in global markets. BPI Wealth has launched peso share classes for two global equity funds — the BPI World Technology Feeder Fund and BPI Global Equity Fund of Funds — allowing investors to participate in international markets using pesos, with no currency conversion required. For OFWs looking to diversify beyond Philippine borders, these new global equity funds offer a convenient gateway to world markets for as little as P1,000.

What Are Peso Share Classes?

Previously, investing in BPI’s global funds required converting pesos to dollars, which added transaction costs and currency risk at the point of entry. With the new peso share classes, investors can participate in global equity markets directly from their peso accounts. The funds still invest in dollar-denominated assets overseas, but the entry and exit are handled in pesos at prevailing exchange rates.

“This is not simply about introducing new peso class products,” said BPI Wealth president and CEO Maria Theresa Marcial. “It is about opening the gateway to global opportunities and making them more accessible to every Filipino investor.”

The launch expands BPI Wealth’s lineup of peso-denominated global equity investment products and comes as the bank pushes portfolio diversification amid heightened market volatility. BPI Wealth is targeting 20% growth in assets under management this year from P1.83 trillion.

BPI World Technology Feeder Fund

The BPI World Technology Feeder Fund invests in the BlackRock World Technology Fund, giving investors concentrated exposure to the global technology sector. The portfolio breakdown:

By Sector: Semiconductors 47.9% | Technology hardware 21.7% | Software and services 12.5% | Media and entertainment 8.1%

By Geography: United States 73.5% | South Korea 10.1% | Taiwan 8.7% | Japan 3.7%

This fund is ideal for investors who believe in the long-term growth of the global technology sector. Semiconductors — the chips that power everything from smartphones to AI data centers — represent the largest holding, reflecting the critical role of chipmakers in the digital economy. The fund’s heavy US weighting (73.5%) provides exposure to companies like NVIDIA, Apple, Microsoft, and other tech giants.

However, investors should be aware that concentrated sector funds carry higher volatility. The technology sector is known for sharp price swings, and a fund that is nearly half invested in semiconductors will be particularly sensitive to chip industry cycles. This fund is best suited for investors with a longer time horizon (5+ years) and higher risk tolerance.

BPI Global Equity Fund of Funds

For investors seeking broader diversification, the BPI Global Equity Fund of Funds provides exposure across multiple underlying funds and global markets. The portfolio breakdown:

By Geography: United States 55.8% | Other international markets 44.2%

By Sector: Information technology 26.6% | Financials 20.1% | Consumer firms 11.4% | Communication services and utilities 10.1%

The fund-of-funds approach provides instant diversification across geographies, sectors, and investment styles. Rather than betting on a single sector or region, this fund spreads risk across the global economy. The 55.8% US allocation provides exposure to the world’s largest stock market, while the remaining 44.2% offers international diversification across Europe, Asia, and emerging markets.

This fund is more suitable for conservative investors who want global equity exposure without the concentrated risk of a single-sector fund. The diversified approach helps smooth out returns over time, though it may underperform more concentrated funds during tech rallies.

How Currency Affects Your Returns

BPI Wealth chief investment officer Luis Antonio Zialcita explained that foreign exchange movements will affect investors since underlying assets are invested overseas. “When the dollar is strengthening against the peso, your returns are slightly higher. When the dollar weakens against the peso, your returns may be lower.”

However, he emphasized that currency exposure aids diversification. “A lot of the benefits of diversification to international assets come from the currency exposure.” This is a key concept: while currency fluctuations create short-term volatility, they also provide a natural hedge against purely domestic risks.

For OFWs earning in foreign currency, the dynamic works differently. Since you’re already earning in dollars, euros, or riyals, investing in dollar-denominated global equity funds reduces your overall currency risk. You’re matching your income currency with your investment currency, providing more stable long-term returns.

Consider this example: An OFW in Saudi Arabia invests P50,000 in the BPI Global Equity Fund of Funds. If the fund’s underlying assets return 10% in dollar terms and the dollar strengthens 3% against the peso, the total return in peso terms would be approximately 13%. Conversely, if the dollar weakens 3%, the peso return would be approximately 7%. Over long periods, currency effects tend to average out, and the primary driver of returns is the performance of the underlying global equity markets.

Why OFWs Should Consider Global Equity Funds

Financial advisors consistently recommend diversification as a key principle of sound investing. For OFWs who already have significant exposure to the Philippine economy through remittances, property, and local investments, adding international global equity exposure provides valuable balance.

The Philippine stock market represents only a fraction of global equity markets. By investing internationally, OFWs can participate in the growth of the world’s largest economies and most innovative companies. From artificial intelligence and cloud computing to electric vehicles and renewable energy, global equity funds provide exposure to the companies shaping the future.

Global diversification also protects against country-specific risks. Natural disasters, political instability, and economic downturns can affect the Philippine market disproportionately. International investments help offset these risks, providing a more stable overall portfolio.

The P1,000 minimum investment makes these funds accessible to virtually anyone. For OFWs who want to start building an international portfolio with small, regular contributions, peso-cost averaging into a global equity fund can be an effective long-term strategy. Even P500 invested monthly can grow into substantial savings over 10-20 years through the power of compounding. For more on building long-term wealth, read our OFW retirement planning guide.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands is one of the most trusted banks in the country, with over 170 years of serving Filipino investors. BPI Wealth manages over P1.83 trillion in assets and offers a wide range of investment products. Learn more about investment funds for OFWs and explore our portfolio diversification guide.

Comparing the Two Funds

Choosing between the two global equity funds depends on your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide:

World Technology Feeder Fund — Risk Profile: High

This fund is ideal for aggressive investors who believe in the long-term growth of the global technology sector. With nearly half the portfolio in semiconductors, it offers concentrated exposure to the chip industry that powers AI, cloud computing, and consumer electronics. The fund’s heavy US weighting (73.5%) provides exposure to tech giants like NVIDIA, Apple, Microsoft, and Google. However, this concentration also means higher volatility — expect sharper drawdowns during tech sector corrections. Suitable for investors with a 5+ year horizon who can stomach short-term losses for potentially higher long-term gains.

Global Equity Fund of Funds — Risk Profile: Moderate

This fund is designed for investors who want broad global diversification without betting on a single sector. With 55.8% in US stocks and the remainder spread across international markets, it provides exposure to the global economy as a whole. The sector allocation is balanced across technology (26.6%), financials (20.1%), consumer firms (11.4%), and communication services (10.1%). This diversification helps smooth out returns over time, though the fund may underperform more concentrated tech funds during sector-specific rallies.

The Balanced Approach:

Many financial advisors recommend holding both types of global equity funds in a single portfolio. Allocating 60% to the Global Equity Fund of Funds and 40% to the Technology Feeder Fund creates a balanced approach that captures broad market growth while maintaining exposure to the high-potential tech sector. This allocation can be adjusted based on your age, risk tolerance, and investment goals.

According to Morgan Stanley, investors who allocate 20-40% of their portfolio to international equities tend to achieve better risk-adjusted returns over the long term compared to those who invest solely in their home market.

How to Invest

OFWs can invest in these global equity funds through BPI branches, the BPI website, or the BPI mobile app. The process involves opening a BPI account (if you don’t have one), completing a customer assessment profile to determine your risk tolerance, and then selecting the fund and investment amount.

The minimum investment is P1,000, and additional investments can be made in increments of P500. Investors can set up automatic monthly investments through BPI’s regular subscription plan, making it easy to build a global equity portfolio over time through peso-cost averaging.

Redemptions can be made at any time, with proceeds credited to your BPI account within 3-5 business days. Note that early redemption fees may apply if you withdraw within the first year of investment, so these funds are best suited for money you won’t need in the short term.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the minimum investment for BPI’s global equity funds?
A: The minimum investment is P1,000 for both the World Technology Feeder Fund and the Global Equity Fund of Funds. Additional investments can be made in P500 increments.

Q: How does currency affect my returns?
A: Since underlying assets are invested overseas, foreign exchange movements affect returns. Dollar strength boosts peso returns; dollar weakness reduces them. However, currency exposure also aids diversification over the long term.

Q: Which fund is better for beginners?
A: The Global Equity Fund of Funds is more suitable for beginners due to its broad diversification across sectors and geographies. The Technology Feeder Fund is better for experienced investors with higher risk tolerance.

Q: Can OFWs invest while abroad?
A: Yes. OFWs can invest through the BPI mobile app or website from anywhere in the world. You’ll need a BPI account and internet access. The BPI app allows you to monitor your global equity investments and make additional contributions remotely.

Q: What are the fees for these funds?
A: BPI Wealth charges management fees typically ranging from 1-2% per year, depending on the fund. There may also be entry and redemption fees. Check the fund’s prospectus for the complete fee structure before investing.

Q: Are these funds covered by PDIC insurance?
A: No. Unlike bank deposits, mutual fund investments are not covered by PDIC insurance. Your investment value can go up or down depending on market performance. Only the bank deposits held by BPI are PDIC-insured up to P500,000 per depositor.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Mutual fund investments carry risks, including potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. OFWs should read the fund prospectus and consult licensed financial advisors before making investment decisions. Fund details are based on BPI Wealth’s June 2026 product launch.