Checking Back In On Emerging Markets

Checking Back In On Emerging Markets

by LPL Research

In our just released Midyear Outlook 2016 publication, we highlighted emerging markets (EM) as one area that could provide an opportunity in the near term. Although foreign markets in general have significantly lagged U.S. stocks during the past several years, EM valuations are extremely attractive. Coupled with the potential for a boost from both fiscal and monetary stimulus, these valuations make EM a nice area to look for diversification, along with potential outperformance.

Three months ago we wrote why the gold-to-silver ratio was potentially flashing a positive sign for emerging markets. As we stated in our Midyear Outlook, we like EM thanks to their attractive valuations, but this ratio could be another reason to remain optimistic.

[Tweet "... two previous times this ratio was over 80 were good times to be bullish on EM @LPLResearch"]

First, letā€™s explain what ratio analysis is. You determine a ratio by dividing the price of one asset by another asset and plotting it out over time. This helps to determine how extended one asset is to another.

The gold-to-silver ratio, which measures the number of silver ounces needed to buy a single ounce of gold, was recently above 80, which was the highest since late 2008 and the financial crisis. Going back to 2000, the two previous times this ratio was over 80 were good times to be bullish on EM, and once again, it looks like this could be playing out.

Silver is considered to be both a precious metal and an industrial metal. So, if industrial metals continue to improve (as weā€™ve been seeing the past few months), then silver should continue to do well. Given emerging markets are correlated with industrial metals, higher commodity prices will help the big commodity exporters like Brazil and Russia.

[Tweet "Silver has been on a tearā€”up 23% compared to a 7% gain in gold @LPLResearch"]

Since we first wrote about the gold-to-silver ratio three months ago, silver has been on a tearā€”up 23% compared to a 7% gain in gold. In fact, silver just closed above $20/ounce for two consecutive weeks for the first time in two years. When silver outperforms gold this has historically been a good time to consider taking on additional risk in emerging markets. Updating the gold-to-silver ratio shows the ratio is firmly pointing lower, suggesting silver is outperforming gold, but it has a long ways to go before it is ā€œlow.ā€ This may be a small clue that the recent bounce in EM could have substantial legs to it.

Thus, EM valuations are attractive and the gold-to-silver ratio is confirming potential EM outperformance. Be sure to read our entire Midyear Outlook 2016: A Vote of Confidence for more of our best ideas over the rest of this year.

07-18-16 blog Figure1_1

 

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IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide or be construed as providing specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual security. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.
Economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted, and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful.
Investing in stock includes numerous specific risks including: the fluctuation of dividend, loss of principal, and potential liquidity of the investment in a falling market.
Investing in foreign and emerging markets securities involves special additional risks. These risks include, but are not limited to, currency risk, geopolitical risk, and risk associated with varying accounting standards. Investing in emerging markets may accentuate these risks.
The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization index that is designed to measure equity market performance of emerging markets.
This research material has been prepared by LPL Financial LLC.
To the extent you are receiving investment advice from a separately registered independent investment advisor, please note that LPL Financial LLC is not an affiliate of and makes no representation with respect to such entity.
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