Japan offers investors a bright future

Article Excerpt

The Japanese economy ranks third in the world and hosts some of the most-profitable global corporations. The economy is, however, facing a declining and rapidly aging population. Still, an older population also presents opportunities, and Japanese companies are already coming up with innovative and technology-driven aids for the elderly. That technological drive helps Japan remain a leading exporter of high-profit products. Meanwhile, billionaire investor Warren Buffett recently boosted his holdings in the country (see box next page). Here is one ETF that provides exposure to the top Japanese public companies. JP MORGAN BETABUILDERS JAPAN ETF $48.20 (New York symbol BBJP; TSINetwork ETF Rating: Aggressive; Market cap: $7.45 billion) tracks the performance of the largest publicly listed Japanese companies. Industrial companies account for 27% of its assets, while Consumer Cyclical (18%), Technology (13%), Healthcare (10%) Financial Services (14%), Consumer Staples (7%) and are other key segments. The ETF holds a large portfolio of 273 stocks; the top 10 holdings make up 22% of its assets. They include Toyota…