Investing in emerging markets can be a lucrative way to help diversify and add value to your portfolio, providing exposure to riskier yet potentially higher-yielding investments. With this strategy, however, comes the concern of volatility associated with investing in these relatively new markets that may not always respond predictably or consistently.
Suppose you’re considering expanding your portfolio beyond traditional stocks and bonds into an emerging market ETF (exchange-traded fund). In that case, it’s essential to understand factors influencing their performance and how they might fit into an overall investment plan. In this article, we’ll look at what investors need to know about emerging market ETFs and provide insight into how incorporating them may benefit your portfolio.
What are emerging market ETFs, and how do they work?
ETF trading is a collection of securities that tracks an index or sector, such as the S&P 500. An emerging market ETF is typically composed of stocks from countries in the early stages of industrialization and economic development that have yet to reach the level of developed markets. These countries often include Brazil, India, Indonesia, China and Russia.
Unlike traditional mutual funds, where the fund manager actively buys and sells investments to meet a specific objective, ETFs are passively managed, which means they follow predetermined guidelines and can be bought or sold throughout the day on a stock exchange. It makes them attractive to traders who want to benefit from short-term price movements in emerging markets without researching individual companies across multiple jurisdictions.
Why should you consider adding them to your portfolio?
Emerging market ETFs offer investors a unique opportunity to access and benefit from economic growth in developing countries. As these markets mature, the potential for higher returns increases since their economies may need to be more efficient and stable than developed markets. Additionally, investing in an emerging market ETF can help diversify your portfolio by providing exposure to different risks than traditional stocks and bonds. For example, if you’re looking to invest more conservatively but still want to gain some exposure to riskier investments, an emerging market ETF could provide the perfect balance.
Moreover, due to the nature of passive management employed by most ETFs, they are generally less expensive than actively managed funds while offering greater liquidity and flexibility than traditional investments.
What risks should you be aware of?
Investing in emerging markets comes with its own set of unique risks which may not be present in more developed markets. It includes risks associated with currency fluctuations, political instability and less efficient regulatory systems that can cause prices to fluctuate rapidly and unpredictably. Additionally, the lack of liquid assets in these markets means investors could have difficulty exiting a position if they need to quickly convert their investment into cash.
It’s also essential to understand the differences between countries included within an ETF and how changes in one country can impact others within the same region or sector. For example, economic shocks such as trade wars or natural disasters can impact multiple countries simultaneously, resulting in significant losses if unprepared.
How can you go about choosing the right EM ETF for your needs?
When it comes to selecting the right emerging market ETF, there are several factors every investor should consider. These include the countries or sectors covered by the ETF, its fees and expenses, liquidity and track record of performance.
It’s also important to consider how much risk you’re comfortable taking and whether you have any specific country or sector preferences when choosing an ETF. Additionally, investors should research the underlying companies in each ETF to ensure their investment objectives align with the funds.
Finally, it’s essential to keep in mind that investing in emerging markets can be a long-term strategy, so investors must make sure they choose an ETF suitable for their time horizon and risk appetite.
What are some of the best-performing EM ETFs on the market today?
Some of the best-performing emerging market ETFs on the market today include iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG), Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) and Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Large Company ETF (FNDE). These funds offer exposure to large, well-established companies across various countries and sectors. In addition, they also have low fees and expenses, making them attractive investments for those seeking exposure to emerging markets without breaking the bank.
In conclusion
Emerging market ETFs can be a great way to add diversification and potentially higher returns to your portfolio. However, it’s essential to understand the risks associated with these investments before taking the plunge. By researching and carefully selecting an ETF suitable for your individual needs, you will be better positioned to reap the rewards of investing in emerging markets.
