Gaining from Asian demand

Article Excerpt

ISHARES AUSTRALIA INDEX FUND $26.54 (New York symbol EWA; buy or sell through brokers), is an ETF that holds the 74 largest Australian stocks. The fund’s top holdings include BHP Billiton, 15.9%; Commonwealth Bank of Australia, 8.4%; Westpac Banking Corp., 7.2%; Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, 6.3%; National Australia Bank, 5.6%; Rio Tinto, 3.8%; Wesfarmers, 3.4%; Woolworths, 3.4%; Newcrest Mining, 3.0%; and Woodside Petroleum, 2.7%. Australia benefits from its stable banking and political systems. It is also rich in natural resources, and its exports are in high demand in nearby Asian markets. iShares MSCI Australia Index Fund was launched on March 12, 1996. The ETF’s MER is 0.53%. iShares MSCI Australia Index Fund is a buy for aggressive investors. investors…