The ETF Portfolio Strategist: Is It Risk On For Emerging Markets?

Sep 2, 2021

[ad_1]

Is it risk-on once more for rising markets? It’s an intriguing query that resonates a bit extra lately, courtesy of rallies in a number of of the main EM nations.

Is it time to pile in? I stay cautious for strategic allocations, however for speculative accounts there’s a case for pondering that there’s nonetheless room to run increased. For some particulars, let’s zoom in on some proxy ETFs, beginning with a big-picture view by the use of Vanguard FTSE Rising Markets Index Fund ETF (NYSE:).

VWO is on monitor to submit a second weekly achieve, primarily based on buying and selling by way of right this moment’s shut (Wed., Sep. 1). After one other day of working sharply increased, VWO closed on the highest degree since mid-July. That also leaves the fund at a middling worth inside this yr’s buying and selling vary, though two weeks of strong beneficial properties mark a change from the draw back development that prevailed for a lot of the summer season, because the weekly chart under signifies.

VWO Weekly Chart

Technically, the value motion nonetheless seems like noise in a variety, however maintain your eye on this area for extra hints that an upside breakout is brewing (or not). Meantime, let’s dig deeper and assessment what’s driving VWO’s latest pop.

VWO’s greatest nation holding is China, which represents roughly 37% of belongings. As a proxy for China shares, take into account iShares MSCI China ETF (NASDAQ:). After dropping for a lot of the summer season, courtesy of Beijing’s crackdown on its tech trade, MCHI is exhibiting indicators of upside life once more. It’s nonetheless too early to declare the worst has handed, however the bottom-feeders are nibbling and the present pop might run on. Nonetheless, depend me as skeptical that we’ve seen the underside.

MCHI Weekly Chart

VWO’s second-biggest nation weighting (~18%) is proxied by iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF (NYSE:). On this entrance, the technicals nonetheless look bullish, though the rally from the pandemic low is getting a bit lengthy within the tooth. EWT is principally on the highs reached in two earlier rallies this yr. If the fund can push decisively above the ~$65.5 mark, and maintain the achieve, that will help the case for anticipating the rally to increase additional into the autumn.

EWT Weekly Chart

VWO’s third-biggest nation holding is India at slightly below 14%. The iShares MSCI India ETF (NYSE:) is purple sizzling — the fund ticked as much as one more report excessive right this moment. Spectacular, however this can be a fund that’s seems vulnerable to a correction. When and if we see a pullback, nonetheless, the upside development historical past suggests a shopping for alternative within the making.

INDA Weekly Chart

VWO’s fourth-biggest nation allocation: Brazil. The iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (NYSE:) has been on a curler coaster ever because the coronavirus crash hit in March 2020, however the development stays bullish, albeit with comparatively large swings alongside the best way. For the near-term horizon, the important thing query: Is EWZ poised for an additional leg increased? If latest historical past’s a information, the fund could also be set to bounce anew because it rebounds off the latest low.

EWZ Weekly Chart

Lastly, VWO’s fifth-highest nation allocation is South Africa. The iShares MSCI South Africa ETF (NYSE:) seems to be within the early levels of rolling over, though if the federal government’s reform efforts can persist, and ship outcomes (or no less than some optimistic headlines) within the days and weeks forward, EZA might be able to lengthen its latest rally.

EZA Weekly Chart



[ad_2]