Thursday, April 26, 2007

Possible portfolio allocations...

The below are for Alpha generation.
EWM - Malaysia
EEB - BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China)
EWJ - Japan
EWO - Austria (Eastern Europe play)
FLATX - LatAm (Latin America)
INP - India
VWO - Emerging Market

Also look into Australia and Singapore.

Other broad allocations (for Beta) are:
S&P 500 ETF such as SPY
MSCI EAFE ETF such as EFA
And some bonds in PRFHX, PHK

Additional disclaimer - though the risk level will vary depending on the percentages in each investment, this is an aggressive portfolio and not recommended for all investors.

A Gassy ETF Comes To Market - Forbes.com

A Gassy ETF Comes To Market - Forbes.com
...nearly half of last week's inflows to Asia (excluding Japan) equity funds were accounted for by Singapore Country ETFs and funds, which remain on a tear, and Australia Country ETFs and funds also accounted for a significant share...
Keep in mind that Japan still accounts for just over 40% of Asia's total market value, so if you invest through a broad-based Asia-Pacific ETF, your portfolio performance this year will be pulled down by Japan's weak performance.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Smart Money Flows Into Tech - Forbes.com

Smart Money Flows Into Tech - Forbes.com: "...global equity funds and ETFs have received $57 billion year-to-date, which is 3.3 times the $17 billion year-to-date inflow into U.S. equity funds and ETFs. Since the beginning of 2006, a staggering $232 billion has poured into global equity funds and ETFs--4.1 times the $56 billion inflow into U.S. equity funds and ETFs."

Reasons to Worry About China Stocks

Reasons to Worry About China Stocks
Some technical patterns that point to a near-the-peak Chinese market.

Monday, April 23, 2007

China ETFs: Bubbling Up: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

China ETFs: Bubbling Up: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
...any number of things can start the trouble: the Chinese banking system is famously riddled with non-performing loans. Property values have skyrocketed in comparison with wages. Chinese borrowers in Shanghai now regularly commit over over 50% their earnings to paying mortgages. Capital in China is often allocated for social and political reasons rather than economic efficiency.
The artificially undervalued yuan skews the economy to export, depressing domestic demand... the yuan remains 40% or more undervalued. The positive side of this for investors is that yuan-denominated assets will be worth more as the yuan is allowed to appreciate. The risk is that so-called hot money is already chasing this trade.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

VWO - Vanguard Emerging Markets ETF

VWO - Vanguard Emerging Markets ETF
Good ETF for exposure to Korea (15%), BRIC (40% in Brazil, Russia, India, China), and 20 other countries. Low expense ratio (0.30%). I am long VWO.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

PHK - PIMCO High Income Fund - another place to park money

PHK - PIMCO High Income Fund
Good for some relatively low-risk income. Has a 9+% yield. Invests in the upper tier of the below investment-grade (a.k.a. "junk") credit spectrum , average rating BB. Average duration is less than 5 years.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Brazil stocks rise to record; Mexico stocks close at record high

Brazil stocks rise to record
Mexico stocks close at record high
Lot of chatter (and record highs) about Latin America recently. Is the party over? (I have been long FLATX for a few years)

PRFHX - Where to park money

PRFHX - T. Rowe Price TAX-FREE HIGH YIELD
Yes, its high yield, but it averages about 6+% tax free returns, with low risk ("junk" municipal bonds). Its not a bank deposit, but I prefer it over places such as ING Direct etc. Credit for this tip goes to my close friend, Shirish Jamthe.

GLOBAL MARKETS-World stocks recover their February/March losses | Reuters.com

GLOBAL MARKETS-World stocks recover their February/March losses Reuters.com
Buying when the market dipped in end Feb 2007 helped.