Once again, global exchange traded funds (ETFs) were the top performers for 2006.
Booming economic growth in China helped push the China ETFs to the number one and two spots for the year. iShares FTSE/Xinhua China 25 Index (FXI) and PowerShares Golden Dragon Halter USX China (PGJ) were up 81% and 51% respectively. Part of the growth in China is due to cargo – manufactured goods need to move throughout, in and out of the country; construction – infrastructure needs to be built; and consumers, also known as chuppies – consumption of high end goods is the current trend.
On the other side of the globe, Spain was one of the fastest growing economies in Europe, due to a wave of mergers and acquisitions, a surge in construction and a real estate boom. All factors helped boost iShares MSCI Spain (EWP) ending the year up 48%.
Back in Asia, doing business with your neighbor certainly can be a plus, as it was for Singapore. The country has the the world’s busiest port and enjoys a healthy economy. iShares MSCI Singapore (EWS) represents the region and was up 43% for the year.