This ETF is one of the more targeted options out of several that focus on the economies of emerging markets, making it potentially useful for investors looking to fine tune exposure to this important asset class. While the precision of INCO may make it most appropriate for investors with a very specific outlook on a corner of the Indian stock market, this ETF may also be appealing as a “satellite” allocation of a longer-term portfolio.

INCO’s appeal lies in the fact that this fund offers exposure to a corner of the Indian stock market that maintains tremendous long-term potential but is often overlooked by investors and receives relatively small allocations in broad India ETFs and ETNs. Ongoing urbanization and increases in levels of wealth and discretionary income stand to benefit India’s consumer sector tremendously; a rising middle class will translate into greater expenditures on consumer goods and services. INCO focuses on this Indian consumer sector, positioning this fund to thrive as these trends play out. While the holdings are concentrated in this sector, it should be noted that INCO includes a number of different types of companies, such as car manufacturers, food and beverage companies, and hotel and leisure firms. The underlying portfolio is somewhat shallow, but relatively well balanced in order to provide an acceptable level of diversification. And while INCO is among the more expensive passive ETFs, the fees charged are reasonable considering the type of exposure offered.

Investors seeking more broad-based exposure to the Indian economy have a number of funds from which to choose, while those looking to invest more generally in the consumer sector of emerging markets may prefer ECON. That fund includes allocations to consumer companies in about a dozen different developing economies, including India.