Emerging markets asset manager Ashmore Group grew assets under management by $2.3bn, or 7%, to $35.3bn in the fourth quarter from the previous three months.Main drivers this time round were net inflows of $2.9bn into the external debt (+5%), local currency (+15%) and special situations (+13%) themes, trimmed by a $0.6bn hit in investment performance, mostly in May.Performance fees for the year are reckoned to be £82.9m thanks mainly to strong investment performance for funds with December and April year ends. Results for the year to 30 June are due on 14 September.