For the week ended 11/23/24.
An asset class that continues to disappoint may best sum up emerging market (EM) equities. What held so much promise many years ago has turned into a route. I always like to take in the facts and these numbers are hard to ignore: Over the past 15 years, emerging markets stocks returned a paltry 4.5% annualized through the third quarter while the S&P 500 Index was up 14.2%. This has been a consistent phenomenon too. In just two of the last 10 years, EM stocks outperformed the U.S. (in 2020, the outperformance was just 29 bps). Mike drop.
Though the reasons for this discrepancy are varied, two items stand out: First, don't bet against the U.S. Thanks to our consumer-led economy, geography, political and legal system, demographics, food and energy security, etc. we are the world's golden child. Second, China. This country accounts for about 1/2 of the EM market cap and all the items that are in our favor are reversed with China.
While EM stocks may have their brief periods in the sun, over the long term, this is an asset class to avoid. With that, may you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and good morning.
Interesting data point for the week.
Source: Visual Capitalist
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