Matt Krantz at USA Today touts the value of a BRIC-related exchange traded fund (ETF). As the U.S. economy puts on the brakes, the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China for those just joining us) are looking good. Their economic growth is predicted to continue into the near future, thanks to growing populations, bustling city centers and a wealth of natural resources.

Sure, you could just track the individual stock markets of those countries. But investing in an ETF that kills four birds with one stone is probably a less cumbersome use of your time.

• SPDR S&P BRIC 40 (BIK), up 28.8% since its inception on June 22
• iShares MSCI BRIC Index (BKF), down 0.2% since its inception on November 20
• Claymore/BNY BRIC (EEB), up 51.3% year to date

Tags: Brazil, China, Emerging Markets, India, Russia