Demographics is(n’t) Destiny but it can play a role in the rise and fall of civilizations and may influence where you invest, including exchange traded funds (ETFs). Michael Krause for TheStreet.com compares populations of the international ETFs against the U.S. in terms of demographics.
In 25 years, the U.S. will be the fastest growing population, growing 23% and outpacing countries in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets (EEM). This population representation will grow 18% over the same time period, with South Africa, Russia and Korea bringing down the average.
Meanwhile, China’s one-child policy has resulted in a slow-growing population with an unintended consequence of too many boys. Will China have the manpower necessary to sustain growth? Japan will be facing a large population decline in the next 25 years, as it currently has the largest population of people over age 65. This lowers the overall population growth for iShares MSCI EAFE (EFA).
A look at Europe finds that iShares S&P Europe 350 (IEV) could be affected by declines in several European countries including Germany, Spain and Italy.
This comparison was only made to provide perspective and shouldn’t be used for short-term trading ideas. Our global economy makes location less a difference today, than it did 30 years ago – think of all the companies that have booming businesses abroad.
The opinions and forecasts expressed herein are solely those of Tom Lydon, and may not actually come to pass. Information on this site should not be used or construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any product.