copper prices
We think foreign stocks can safely make up 10% of a conservative investor’s portfolio. One way is through the selection of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with an overseas focus.
The best of those ETFs continue to offer very low management fees and well-diversified, tax-efficient portfolios of high-quality stocks.
Here’s a look at four international ETFs we see as suitable for new buying and two others we feel you should continue to hold.
ISHARES MSCI EMERGING MARKETS INDEX FUND $44.46 (New York symbol EEM; buy or sell through brokers) is designed to track the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
The fund’s geographic breakdown is as follows: China, 31.4%; South Korea, 14.0%; Taiwan, 11.7%; India, 8.8%; South Africa, 6.6%; Brazil, 6.5%; Russia, 3.4%; Mexico, 3.1%; Malaysia, 2.4%; Thailand, 2.3%; Indonesia, 1.9%; and Poland, 1.2%.
Its top stocks are Tencent Holdings (China: Internet), 5.0%; Alibaba Group (China: e-commerce), 4.1 %; Samsung Electronics (South Korea), 3.8%; Taiwan Semiconductor (computer chips), 3.7%; Naspers (South Africa: media and Internet), 2.1%; China Construction Bank, 1.6%; Baidu (China: Internet), 1.3%; Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, 1.0%; China Mobile, 1.0%; and Ping An Insurance Group (China), 0.9%.
iShares launched the ETF on April 7, 2003....
The best of those ETFs continue to offer very low management fees and well-diversified, tax-efficient portfolios of high-quality stocks.
Here’s a look at four international ETFs we see as suitable for new buying and two others we feel you should continue to hold.
ISHARES MSCI EMERGING MARKETS INDEX FUND $44.46 (New York symbol EEM; buy or sell through brokers) is designed to track the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
The fund’s geographic breakdown is as follows: China, 31.4%; South Korea, 14.0%; Taiwan, 11.7%; India, 8.8%; South Africa, 6.6%; Brazil, 6.5%; Russia, 3.4%; Mexico, 3.1%; Malaysia, 2.4%; Thailand, 2.3%; Indonesia, 1.9%; and Poland, 1.2%.
Its top stocks are Tencent Holdings (China: Internet), 5.0%; Alibaba Group (China: e-commerce), 4.1 %; Samsung Electronics (South Korea), 3.8%; Taiwan Semiconductor (computer chips), 3.7%; Naspers (South Africa: media and Internet), 2.1%; China Construction Bank, 1.6%; Baidu (China: Internet), 1.3%; Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, 1.0%; China Mobile, 1.0%; and Ping An Insurance Group (China), 0.9%.
iShares launched the ETF on April 7, 2003....
ALAMOS GOLD $7.18 (Toronto symbol AGI; TSINetwork Rating: Speculative) (604-681-2802; www.alamosgold.com; Shares outstanding: 266.3 million; Market cap: $2.8 billion; Dividend yield: 0.4%) owns the Mulatos and El Chanate mines in Mexico, and the Young-Davidson and Island mines in northern Ontario.
The company also has a number of development projects in Turkey, the U.S., Mexico and Canada....
The company also has a number of development projects in Turkey, the U.S., Mexico and Canada....
MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC. $116 (www.motorolasolutions.com) makes specialized communications equipment such as radios for police and fire vehicles. The company has completed its $1 billion acquisition of Avigilon Corp. Based in Vancouver, that firm designs, makes and sells high-definition surveillance systems....
Copper is a flexible and spongy metallic element that is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity as well as being corrosion resistant and antimicrobial. This makes it useful for a whole range of applications in the transport, electronics, electrical, medical, and construction industries....
Higher copper prices continue to boost economic growth and prosperity for Chile, the largest global producer of the metal. Despite its dependence on copper, the country has a strong market economy with a high level of foreign trade. Chile has also worked to strengthen its financial institutions and economic policies.
Here is one ETF that provides exposure to top Chilean companies.
ISHARES MSCI CHILE ETF $50 (New York symbol ECH; TSINetwork ETF Rating: Aggressive; Market cap: $477.5 million) tracks the performance of the largest publicly listed Chilean companies.
Financial Services account for 23% of its assets, while Utilities (22%), Consumer Services (19%), Basic materials (13%), Oil and Gas (9%) and Consumer Goods (7%) are other key segments.
The ETF holds a portfolio of 31 stocks....
Here is one ETF that provides exposure to top Chilean companies.
ISHARES MSCI CHILE ETF $50 (New York symbol ECH; TSINetwork ETF Rating: Aggressive; Market cap: $477.5 million) tracks the performance of the largest publicly listed Chilean companies.
Financial Services account for 23% of its assets, while Utilities (22%), Consumer Services (19%), Basic materials (13%), Oil and Gas (9%) and Consumer Goods (7%) are other key segments.
The ETF holds a portfolio of 31 stocks....
Ottawa’s move to buy the existing Trans Mountain pipeline in order to build its controversial expansion is good news for these three resources companies. Additional capacity to ship crude oil and refined fuels from Alberta to Vancouver should make it easier for producers to service their customers.
For new buying, we prefer Cenovus and Teck over Encana....
For new buying, we prefer Cenovus and Teck over Encana....
A: Western Copper & Gold Corp., $1.15, symbol WRN on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 94.4 million; Market cap: $110.5 million; www.westerncoppercorp.com), owns the Casino project in the Yukon....
What are mining stocks?
Mining stocks are investments in companies that produce or explore for minerals. Some of these minerals include uranium, coal, molybdenum (which is used in steelmaking), copper, silver and gold. They are affected by fluctuating commodity prices in addition to their own business and operating risks.
Mining stocks can be strong performers when commodity prices move up....
GLOBAL X COPPER MINERS ETF $25.93 (New York symbol COPX; buy or sell through brokers; www.globalxfunds.com) aims to track the Solactive Global Copper Miners Index, which includes 30 global mining and exploration firms. The ETF started up in April 2010.
Canadian firms make up 30.6% of the fund’s holdings....
Canadian firms make up 30.6% of the fund’s holdings....