Victory is Mine! Emerging Markets Finally Stop Being Such a Brian

A Financial Coup... Or So They Say

Good heavens it seems the financial boffins at JPMorgan have finally stopped sniffing glue and decided that emerging markets might not be a complete waste of space anymore. After four years of dismal performance – a period I can only describe as a 'darkness before the dawn,' much like my own schemes before they inevitably fail thanks to that buffoon Brian – they've upgraded their rating from 'meh' to 'potentially less awful.' It's all thanks to easing trade tensions. You know the kind of tensions I experience every time I'm forced to share a room with Rupert. Ghastly.

Trade Wars? More Like Trade Skirmishes!

Apparently the squabbling between the United States and China – a geopolitical drama only slightly less irritating than Lois's singing – has calmed down a bit. Some chap named Matejka at JPMorgan (sounds like a villain from a Bond film doesn't he?) claims this 'de escalation' is a boon for emerging market equities. Frankly I find the whole thing dreadfully dull unless it involves lasers or perhaps a giant robot. But if it means less whining from Quagmire about his 'investments,' I suppose I can tolerate it.

Valuations: Cheap as Dirt... or Lois's Cooking

The other reason these markets are suddenly appealing? They're cheap! Matejka (I still think he's a villain) points out that emerging markets are trading at a significant discount compared to those 'developed' ones. It's like finding a vintage teddy bear at a garage sale for the price of a single binkie. A steal I tell you! Although knowing my luck it'll probably turn out to be filled with anthrax.

EEM is Having a Moment (Don't Get Used to It)

This iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF or EEM as the hipsters call it is up a whopping 10.6% this year. That's actually beating the S&P 500. A shocking turn of events I daresay! It is doing better than that European Stoxx thingy too. It’s like when Chris manages to spell a word correctly – unexpected and frankly a little unsettling. Still I wouldn't get my hopes up. This is probably just a temporary blip before the whole thing implodes in a fiery mess much like my last attempt to build a time machine.

China's Slow Recovery: About Time!

Apparently China had a bit of a rough patch with those… *shudders* lockdowns. But it seems they're finally crawling out of that pit of despair. All of which means if JPMorgan is to be believed (doubtful) the prospects for these emerging markets are improving faster than Brian's liver function declines after a night out at The Drunken Clam.

India and Brazil: The Golden Children (For Now)

If you're looking for specific emerging markets that might not be a complete disaster JPMorgan suggests India and Brazil. The iShares MSCI India ETF and its Brazilian counterpart have shown a bit of promise. But remember my dear readers the stock market is as unpredictable as the inner workings of Peter Griffin's mind. Invest at your own peril...and don't come crying to me when it all goes wrong! Unless of course you have a well stocked wine cellar. In that case misery loves company and I'll bring the tiny martini glasses.