EWZS News and Press, iShares MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF From 02/09/23

Summary Even amid still-elevated (though moderating) inflation levels, some economists offered cautiously optimistic global growth forecasts during last month’s World Economic Forum. While global growth may still be dampened, China’s reopening marks a notable turning point...

Summary EMs could look to make up for a lost decade, and Brazil has the right profile to flourish. Political risks and fiscal profligacy are risks to be monitored. Valuations are cheap, and small-caps look well positioned relative to the broad Brazilian universe. Brazil ...

Summary Despite softer economic conditions globally, emerging markets (EM) credit fundamentals remain supportive—and while we see some pockets of weakness, especially among energy- and food-importing countries, overall we believe EM debt is well positioned to withstand a period of we...

Summary In the past, one of the biggest attractions of EM equities was a stronger macroeconomic growth backdrop than that of developed countries. We’re also seeing signals of declining inflation across various EM countries, including India and Brazil. Investors are understand...

Summary iShares MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF tracks an index of Brazilian small-cap stocks. Brazil has had a tumultuous year, both politically and economically. The re-election of former president and avowed populist Lula makes the future of Brazil murky at best. The fund bounces a...

Summary Active fixed-income ETFs allow portfolio managers to stay nimble and avoid sectors and parts of the credit spectrum that might encounter increased stress. There are now a growing number of dividend ETFs that are focused on yield and offer responsiveness to evolving sector dynami...

Summary In 2022, historically high inflation led global central banks to make a series of bold tightening moves. In the U.S., it’s our view that inflation may gradually move toward the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) 2% goal over the year. With a hamstrung Fed, the global outl...

Summary In our view, the balance of demand and supply factors should support oil prices in 2023. Most EM banking systems look better positioned in terms of capital than they were during the Global Financial Crisis. All things considered, we continue to believe that current valuation...

Summary In an economic downturn, higher-growth EM stocks that have derated and have strong and stable earnings could outperform, in our opinion. In China, we are cautiously positive on possible policy changes ahead and early signs of a roadmap out of zero-COVID. In India, we are con...

Summary We are optimistic that emerging markets, in particular Chinese equities, can post positive returns in 2023. Consensus expectations point to two further increases in the US federal funds rate in 2023. As the investment environment evolves, an important feature that we seek in...