Since the economic recovery began, many investors have looked to Asia to drive growth and stimulate global demand. China has grabbed most of the headlines, as tremendous growth in the world’s most populous nation has essentially pulled this emerging market into a tie with Japan as the world’s second-largest economy. In recent weeks, uncertainty over China’s next monetary policy moves caused turmoil in global equity markets, an indication of the influence that the country now holds over the global economy. This economic influence has perhaps translated into increased political clout as well: many global leaders, including president Obama, have been criticized for their reluctance to push China on issues such as human rights and currency devaluation. [click to continue…]
Throughout the first half of 2009, emerging market ETFs have been a hot discussion topic and investment option, with much of the attention focused on stellar returns to BRIC funds and the boom in the Chinese real estate market. While that attention is much deserved, these behemoths have overshadowed an investment jewel in Southeast Asia that remains hidden to most American investors. That jewel is Malaysia: a small nation straddling the South China Sea that is home to about 28 million people and one rapidly industrializing economy. [click to continue…]
Earlier this year, India conducted one of the world’s largest exercises in democracy when more than 710 million citizens headed to the polls to complete general elections. Following the announcement of the results, several India ETFs (such as PIN, INP, and EPI) surged more than 20% in a single session on news that the Indian National [...]
