| BRIC is an increasing popular acronym which refers to | | | | that track the BRIC nation markets, Claymore/BNY, |
| the nations of Brazil, Russia, India and China. These | | | | (EEB), SPDR S&P BRIC 40 (BIK) and MSCI BRIC |
| are the leading "emerging markets" that many feel | | | | Index (BKF) are all down more than 50%. As of this |
| are economies representing great investment | | | | writing it is widely accepted that a world wide |
| potential. The combined population of the 4 countries | | | | economic slowdown is occurring. As is always the |
| is approximately 2.8 billion, or about 40% of the | | | | case, no one rings a bell and announces that markets |
| people on the planet. As a comparative example, | | | | have bottomed and you should immediately commit |
| China's GDP which has grown about 10% a year for | | | | funds. However, at some point when the turnaround |
| the last 20 years, is now about 1/5 the size of the | | | | begins, it is possible that superior gains can be made |
| United States, and while currently ranking 5th, will | | | | in the BRIC nation markets. |
| soon be the second largest. And that's just China. | | | | Individual investment decisions should be made only |
| Brazil, Russia and India were ranked in 2007 as 10, 11, | | | | with proper due diligence. As has been seen in this |
| and 12. With GDP growth last year between 5 and 9 | | | | market slump, foreign investments may carry with |
| percent, it's no surprise these countries are popular | | | | them greater risk. While growth rates in the emerging |
| with investors. Will the BRIC's dominate the business | | | | market nations may vastly outperform the United |
| world in the near future? Is your money more likely | | | | States economy, the accompanying risk and volatility |
| to grow if invested in BRIC Nation industries? | | | | is probably not for everyone. Assess your own |
| Of course, 2008 has been a particularly difficult year | | | | financial status, preferably with the help of a |
| for investors. The S&P 500 index is down over | | | | professional before you invest anywhere, particularly |
| 30% YTD. Three Exchange Traded Funds, (ETF's) | | | | in more volatile markets. |