European stocks and exchange traded funds have been rallying over the past six months, however, new trouble is brewing in Italy and Spain. Political issues are arising in these countries just as the debt worries have subsided.
“ETFs in Europe continued to gain traction in 2013. Given the performance of European stock markets, it is not surprising that equity-focused exchange traded products saw the largest inflows,” Len Welter, Director, ETFs at Markit, said in a report. [Italy, Spain ETFs Lead Europe Lower on Political Instability]
European assets began attracting inflows last July when the European Central Bank vowed to preserve the euro, saving the region from collapse, reports Simon Jessop for Reuters. A rapidly growing part of the market, assets invested in Europe-focused funds grew $14 billion in 2012, data from Markit said. [ECB Bond Buying Hopes Lift Europe ETFs]
The ETFs that track Italy and Spain, iShares MSCI Italy Index (NYSEArca: EWI) and iShares MSCI Spain Index (NYSEArca: EWP), had added about 20% for the second half of 2012. This year, both Italy and Spain have political drama to contend with, just as respective economies started to mend. In Italy, political uncertainty rules, with Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi trying to secure another term. In Spain, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is facing a surge of anger from the general population over bribery accusations, with many calling for his resignation, reports Eric Dutram for Zacks. [Spain, Greece ETFs Backpedal on Protests]