Value-oriented thinkers have labored to persuade investors to invest in Europe for nearly three years. Specifically, they’ve pushed forward the idea that miraculously low price-to-book ratios offer compelling bargains in European ETFs, in spite of the ongoing sovereign debt crisis and negligible economic growth. However, deep discount investing during financial crises is a recipe for failure. [...] [...more]
Haven’t heard the bullish call for investing in Brazil ETFs? In essence, monumental infrastructure will be required for Brazil to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup as well as the 2016 Summer Olympics. In addition, Brazil is one of China’s largest trading partners such that, China imports a massive quantity of materials as well as agricultural products and other commodities. That said, [...] [...more]
As popular as dividend stocks have become — as attractive as REITs may be – the pipeline partnership possibility is finally getting widespread recognition. In fact, Energy MLP ETFs/ETNs like JP Morgan Alerian MLP (AMJ) have been beating the total return competition. What makes an Energy MLP ETF (ETN) particularly worthwhile? For one thing, owning a diversified basket of energy infrastructure partnerships lets you tap into an oligarchical [...] [...more]
Headlines prey on human emotions. So when you see bold lead-ins like, ”98% Chance of a Greek Default” or “75% Chance of a New Recession,” it usually pays to keep one’s emotions in check. One reason to avoid reacting to current commentary? If you’re reading it now and responding to it now, the market is way ahead of you. [...] [...more]
Equity market performance for the world’s 7 largest economies hasn’t exactly been awe-inspiring. Then again, it has been far better than a sharp stick in the eye. Here’s the tale of the tape through 5/25: 7 Largest Economies With Their Corresponding Stock ETFs        Approx YTD %        U.S  S&P 500 SPDR Trust (SPY)  5.7% European Union iShares MSCI EMU (EZU)  8.4% China  SPDR S&P China (GXC)  2.9% Japan  iShares MSCI Japan [...] [...more]
Emerging Market ETFs UPDATE, European ETFs, Thailand ETF, Strong ETFs, Weakening ETFs Click here to listen to the show: 5-22-2011 [...more]
Macro-economic, big picture issues have been dominating investment decision-making for years. For example, due in large part to accelerating GDP in the U.S., domestic markets outperformed world equities from November 2009 to April 2010. However, when U.S. GDP began showing signs of deceleration, double-dip recession fears caused a 15%+ correction. Investors chose to ignore the strong revenue growth and remarkable profits of U.S. [...] [...more]
It is well-known than smaller compnaies tend to be responsible for a large percetnage of hiring; thus, they often help lead a country out of recession. Perhaps this is a reason for investors to consider Emerging Market Small Cap ETFs. However, what if the lack of credit flow to small business impedes hiring? And what if large compnaies simply [...] [...more]
President Obama has expressed displeasure with the European Union’s plans to shore up member country deficits. His fear is that tougher taxes and rougher budget cuts will cripple Europe’s effort at economic recovery. Perhaps ironically, there’s no immediate concern by the Obama team with respect to U.S. deficits. Apparently, we’re going to spend, spend more, spend even more… and [...] [...more]
The euro-dollar has lost roughly 20% of its value against the U.S. dollar since November. Most blame southern European countries like Spain, Italy and Portugal for the mess. In contrast, the “fundamentals” of the German economy remain robust. Labor costs there are declining. And the iShares MSCI Germany Fund (EWG) has limited exposure to the financial sector. Could EWG reprersent an attractive [...] [...more]
