A Look Back At Conventional Wisdom In Forecasts For 2011, Part 2

By David Hunkar: Economist Jim O'Neill of Goldman Sachs coined the term "BRICs" in November 2001 to identify the core set of emerging markets at that time. These countries -- Brazil, Russia, India, and China -- did not have many things in common other than all being emerging countries. For example, in terms of political systems, Brazil and India follow democracy, China follows communism with a capitalist economic system, and Russia is not yet democratic, though it claims to be a democracy.

By Tom Lydon: When looking at the emerging markets, it is hard to ignore the so-called BRICs - Brazil, Russia, India and China. While these countries have enjoyed robust growth rates in the past, the BRIC country exchange traded funds currently show disparate performances.

Emerging Money submits:Emerging markets took in another $1.8 billion, but amazingly, developed markets are suddenly beginning to compete in terms of the fastest-growing part of the global economy. With earnings in developed markets normalizing, the outlook for banks and lending in Europe and North America — and even Japan — is getting better day by day.

By Emerging Money: By Steven Orlowski Wrapping up 2012, it's worthwhile comparing the performance of four emerging market, small-cap exchange-traded funds with a diversified BRIC ETF.Historically, small-cap stocks outperform larger stocks during periods of growth and underperform in down cycles. While 2012 was not a banner year for the major developing markets, the small-cap funds did outperform in most regions.

By Dividend Screen: For investors, it is important to have holdings in different sectors, industries and currencies. Some big multinational companies like Procter and Gamble (PG) or General Electric (GE) are well diversified and fulfill those criteria.

Frank Holmes submits:The Russian MICEX Index, which increased 22.5 percent in 2010, has jumped 15 percent so far in 2011, significantly outperforming many other markets. China is the second-best performer of the BRICs, rising more than 5 percent, while India (down over 10 percent) and Brazil (down over 2 percent) have lagged. Overall, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index has dropped just over 1 percent.

Kevin Grewal submits: As the U.S. and most developed countries struggle to get out of the global recession, faster-growing emerging markets may be the answer to many questions. When speaking of emerging international markets most automatically think of Brazil, Russia, India and China, the BRIC countries, but there are other opportunities to consider.

Michael Johnston submits:With the developed markets of the world crippled by mounting debt, stagnant growth, and suddenly severe political risk, investors have undeniably begun allocating a larger portion of their portfolios to emerging markets.