It appears that most Asian economies have finally pulled out of a recession. While recovery is expected to be slow for the time being, there are a variety of exchange traded fund (ETF) plays for even modest growth.
South Korea’s growth in the third quarter was at its quickest rate in more than seven years, accompanying China and Singapore in reporting faster growth during the September quarter, reports Gillian Murdoch for Reuters. (How to capture China’s growth).
- iShares MSCI South Korea Index (NYSEArca: EWY)
- iShares FTSE/Xinhua China 25 Index (NYSEArca: FXI)
- iShares MSCI Singapore Index (NYSEArca: EWS)
Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and Taiwan all officially exited a recession in the second quarter.
- iShares MSCI Japan Index (NYSEArca: EWJ)
- iShares MSCI Hong Kong Index (NYSEArca: EWH)
- iShares MSCI Thailand Invest Mkt Index (NYSEArca: THD)
- iShares MSCI Taiwan Index (NYSEArca: EWT)
Japan, however, grew 0.6% in the second quarter – less than expected. (Small-cap plays for Japan).
Singapore’s economy expanded in the second quarter at its fastest rate in almost six years, as a result of a surge in biomedical production and construction. (Sectors pushing Singapore’s growth)
Hong Kong pulled out in the second quarter after its economy grew at a faster-than-expected 3.3% from the previous quarter. (Is Hong Kong facing a correction?)
Thailand’s economy grew 2.3% in the second quarter from the first quarter on a recovering manufacturing sector. (Reasons to watch Thailand)
Taiwan’s economy saw growth for the first time in a year during the second quarter. Officials expect rising demand from China to support the island’s recovery. (Why Taiwan’s heating up).
For more information on Asia, visit our Asia category.
Max Chen contributed to this article.
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.