When many people talk about emerging markets, chances are that the BRICs are part of the conversation. Brazil, Russia, China and India have all gone through such expansive growth that there are even exchange traded funds (ETFs) devoted just to those countries. But what if you’re tired of them?
India’s economy is forecast to see “definite signs of recovery” in the second half of the current fiscal year, reports The Economic Times. Growth is predicted to be in the 6% to 6.5% range. But there are a number of investors who want to expand their horizons beyond the BRIC countries.
While BRIC countries have been growing and moving, the expansion of other developing nations is widening the choices investors have. For instance, Vietnam, Thailand and Turkey have all gone through growth that is every bit as significant, explains Don Dion for TheStreet.
While the idea of Vietnam or South Korea may appear refreshing if you’re looking for some fresh blood for your portfolio, it’s key to remember that emerging markets entail risk. The best thing to do is watch on the sidelines for the moving averages, then get in slowly. If you enter with a discipline and a sell point, you’ll check your emotions at the door.
As Don Dion for The Street explains, these funds can be volatile, so a small asset allocation to these funds is appropriate if you plan to take a buy-and-hold approach.
The consideration that goes into single-country ETFs is that as an investor, you are subject to politics, social traumas and reforms, and of course, concentration in a particular sector. This re-iterates the need for every investor to brush up and do some research before going in.
A sample of BRIC ETFs, and a couple alternatives:
- iShares MSCI BRIC (NYSEArca: BKF): up 66.9% year-to-date
- Claymore/BNY BRIC (NYSEArca: EEB): up 66.1% year-to-date
- Market Vectors Russia (NYSEArca: RSX): up 104.3% year-to-date
- iShares MSCI South Korea (NYSEArca: EWY): up 67.3% year-to-date
- Market Vectors Vietnam (NYSEArca: VNM): up 10% since Aug. 14 inception
- iShares MSCI Turkey (NYSEArca: TUR): up 84.3% year-to-date
- iShares MSCI Thailand (NYSEArca: THD): up 73.6% year-to-date
For more stories about BRIC ETFs, visit our BRIC category.
The opinions and forecasts expressed herein are solely those of Tom Lydon, and may not actually come to pass. Mr. Lydon serves as an independent trustee of certain mutual funds and ETFs that are managed by Guggenheim Investments; however, any opinions or forecasts expressed herein are solely those of Mr. Lydon and not those of Guggenheim Funds, Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC or any of their affiliates. 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.