In a global economy, where what happens in one country can have ripple effects around the world, investors are discovering the value of investing outside the United States. Emerging markets are countries that are in a strong growth phase, as opposed to more established nations that see more gradual growth. There are several benefits to investing in emerging markets; while this segment of the market is still viewed as risky, the higher returns often counter-balance this risk for investors seeking to jump-start their portfolio. The returns are also not necessarily correlated to the U.S. market, providing a diversification benefit [see also Free Report: How To Pick The Right ETF Every Time]. [click to continue…]
This week got off to a worrisome start as selling pressures ripped through Wall Street right from the opening bell on Monday morning, leading many to believe that the much-awaited correction had finally arrived. Much to the bears’ frustration, however, equity markets were quick to regain their footing in the days following as eager buyers didn’t hesitate to take [...]
This year has proven to be a rather successful yet volatile year on Wall Street; equities managed to come out on top after tumultuous rounds of eurozone debt drama, fiscal cliff talks and spotty economic data. Despite the bumps in the road, many investors were rewarded quite handsomely, as certain corners of the market exhibited [...]
For the first time in years, a U.S. ETF was one of the highest yielding of the year, as Dow Jones US Construction Index Fund (ITB) surged ahead of the pack. While home-building in the United States is the first sign of a recovery in the domestic market, elsewhere in the world there were positive [...]
This past year shaped out to be quite the roller coaster ride for many investors; equity markets persevered through tumultuous, and seemingly never-ending, eurozone debt drama, while the economic recovery at home remains slow and steady at best. Heading into 2013, clouds of uncertainty continue to threaten investors’ confidence as the outcome of the much feared “fiscal cliff” has [...]
For many investors, emerging market equities have long held their appeal as key diversifying agents and great potentials for growth and lucrative returns. When looking to add exposure to this corner of the market, most turn to the popular and perhaps more obvious choices, namely Brazil, Russia, India and China. But, of course, in the [...]
The FTSE Group, one of the leading indexing firms, recently announced the results of its Annual Country Classification Review, the process by which global equity markets are classified as Developed, Advanced Emerging, Secondary Emerging or Frontier using a scale of 21 “Qualities of Market” criteria. There were no reclassifications this year, but a couple more additions [...]
Stimulus hopes permeated Wall Street for another day as investors pushed stocks higher amid continuing speculation that the Fed will roll out another round of quantitative easing this Thursday. Before Bernanke gets a chance to satisfy, or disappoint, investors will need to first digest the German court ruling regarding the proposed Euro zone bailout tomorrow morning. News of any [...]
Concerns over Europe’s financial health have only gotten worse for the past two years as the currency bloc struggles to regain its fiscal footing, which has undoubtedly intensified doubts about the global economic recovery since the most recent downturn. Worrisome headlines from this region have been plaguing investors’ confidence like a parasite, paving the way for choppy trading in [...]
One of the most anticipated and watched sporting events in the world, the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship kicked off late last week. Euro 2012 marks a milestone for first-time host countries Ukraine and Poland, and many are hoping that the soccer tournament brings prosperity and inspires hope in the debt-burdened continent. There are competing [...]
Emerging markets stocks are a core holding in the portfolios of many investors: developing economies such as China and India account for a growing portion of global GDP, and a significant percentage of all global GDP growth. ETFs have become popular tools for tapping into this asset class; the low cost structures, intraday liquidity, and [...]
