A fourth interim dividend of 3.20p has been declared making a total of 12.40p for the year, an increase of 3.3% year on year.

Chairman John Russell said: "We believe that the medium to long term prospects for the Asian region remain attractive and that revenue streams from Asian companies are sustainable.

"Across Asia, government debt to GDP levels has remained at low levels and regional consumers are cash rich; both these factors will continue to drive domestic demand in the region.

"Whilst Asian stock markets remain vulnerable to any significant further setbacks there is a genuine opportunity for countries with lower debt levels to gain significant ground on their more developed counterparts.

"Consequently we see long term value in Asian equities and the continued prospect of attractive returns for shareholders."

Story provided by Business Financial Newswire