Use these megatrends to build gains

Article Excerpt

“Megatrends” are societal shifts with significant, long-term implications for the economy and the stock market. Once in full swing, these trends can be easy to track, although it is more difficult to pick out the companies that will most benefit from them. This month we look at ETFs with holdings designed to let investors tap two such trends: We start with the aging of the global population (below) and continue with urbanization. As well, you’ll benefit from our supplements on pages 39 and 40. They offer more insights on what will drive future gains for ETF investors. ISHARES GLOBAL HEALTHCARE ETF $62.29 (New York symbol IXJ; TSINetwork ETF Rating: Aggressive; Market cap: $2.0 billion) lets you invest in companies that are part of the health-care sector. The portfolio represents all the key fields of health care including consumer, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, and health insurance. You could also opt for an identical Canadian-listed version of the ETF (Toronto symbol XHC). Note, however, that it charges investors a..