iShares MSCI Australia Index Fund (ETF) (EWA)

lots of minerals

Dollar crash

I don't normally pick ETF's, but this is an easy way to play Australia. I agree with UltraLong's October 20th blog which theorizes that Australia is extremely well positioned for success.

what's not to like? strong economy, strong currency, strong employment numbers, rich in resources, good exposure to asia, and a great place to visit/live to boot.

Strong economy, strong currency.

Short Term Bounce Likely

commodity-based economies likely to outperform. trade ties with china, india, and asia.

Dropping dollar will boost commodity-rich foreign countries.

There are no worries down under mate.

The country's political and economic fundamentals are sound. Future appears bright. Companies oeprating in the country are increasingly more innovative.

While I would have liked to have been here a few months ago, I believe that this still has room to run as the dollar gets bashed by inflation and the deficit we are creating without concern for fiscal responsibility during the 'bale out' trend. The piper will be paid and outside countries with a stable base of both manufacture and fiscal responsibility will be there to gain from it. The pacific rim is a place to look for all of the above and (to put it personally) I like Australia!

intrinsic value

Aussie stock have been pummeled, just like here in the States. But when this thing turns around, EWA is a total infrastructure play, as Australia supplies China with a large portion of its raw materials.

This is a Peter Schiff pick. If we continue to make the wrong moves, overtaxing and overregulating our industrial base, inflating our currency, and depending on our credit rating to make infinite foreign capital available to support our overspending lifestyle, we will see huge increases in the notional value of foreign ETF's based on markets with strong currencies, commodity-based economies, and relatively free enterprise. Markets like Australia, for instance.

Australia... it's like Canada, but without the snow... both have lots of mineral resources to dig up.

This is really a commodities play. The long term trend for commodities is up. Buy it now when nobody wants it. It will be at $30 in 3 years.

Australian banks less exposed than U.S. to failed mortgage instruments. Fund will also benefit from gains which may result from Australia's high percentage of total world iron production, especially if Biliton acquires Rio Tinto.

There are many great reasons to believe in Australia growth. Their proximity to Asia is one and their commodity wealth is another. They also rank 4th on the economic freedom index in 2008, above the U.S. They also rank fairly high on the human development list.

As with an investment in any developed country you have an older and already wealthy population. The fear that the countries best days are behind always linger. They rank higher in GDP per capita (In PPP) than German, Britain and France.

My personal belief is that countries that can mix quality of life and free markets will outperform. Australia is a amalgamation of European and American ideals that sits in a beautiful global position.

Lower Dollar. Good commodity play.