iShares S&P Latin America 40 Index (ETF) (ILF)

An ETF (also in which I own shares) to track the explosive growth of South America's markets, particularly Brazil. Like China, Brazil & Argentina & Chile are experiencing tremendous growth. And those Brazilian people are so beautiful, how could you NOT want to invest in them? :-)

My Stock of the Day from CAPS today. My thinking is simple: The growth rate for Latin America would seem to be in excess of that of North America over the next 5 years. That, and there is so much more political stability in that area, since my youth. I'm saying: OUTPERFORM.

Inflation has declined in most of the Latin American countries, with Venezuela and Argentina coming as an exception, where inflation has reached the double-digit mark. Countries with independent central banks - such as Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru, are witnessing greater price stability than those with a lenient monetary discipline. Endorsing the same, various fund houses are getting inclined towards a pure Latin America play.

Likewise, the iShares S and P Latin America 40 (ILF) Index fund seeks investment results of companies listed in the Mexican and South American equity markets as represented by the Standard and Poor's Latin 40 Index. Composed of a select set of liquid names from Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Argentina, the fund has a healthy 52.5% of total assets being allocated to Brazil. Thus, performance of the fund is primarily tied to that of Brazil’s, with Mexico and Chile sharing up for the remainder.

Brazil has a very strong currency, low inflation rates, and the government policies being focused on reducing debt levels, making it an attractive destination within emerging markets. The country has been growing at about 3% for the last three years, with banking and energy stocks poised for an upbeat growth. After a strong expansion in the last three years, Latin America is expected to moderate its growth slightly in the current year, but not enough to call for bearish sentiments. Going forward, Latin America will see a steady growth, with Moodys projecting a 3.5% economic expansion in 2007.

The robust growth has been reflected in the fund too, with the one-year returns for 2006 being 40.8%. Going ahead, its returns look bit impressive, because Latin markets have generally been hot in recent years. Moreover, ILF is cheaper than all the other offerings that focus on its region. With its 0.50% expense ratio, it stands ahead against peers iShares Mexico Index as well as iShares Brazil Index. Big demand for exports and high prices for commodities like oil and copper, should woo the investors positively.

I know nothing about this ETF and do not own any

Good diversified investments in South America.

Where do you think salsa comes from. Exactly. $250 by August.

ETF with Cemex as a major player. Based on Latin Am. S & P 40 (?). Lot of stocks based in Mexico and Brazil.

The Latin Fund, another ETF. Strong development in this region, so owning a group of companies here is a great idea.

The index fund of the top 40 Latin American funds is a very solid play to take advantage of the rapid growth and emergence of strong Central and South Americna companies. Brazil is about as hot as a 2 dollar pistol right now, and that alone makes this fund worth taking a look at. Oil interests in the Gulf of Mexico will drive Latin energy stocks. Their infrastructure systems are growing rapidly, making materials and development companies highly profitable right now. I like this play as a simple way to profit from the emergence of Latin Amierica as a world player.

Just look at the chart! The trend shows no sign of abating as Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and other Latin American countries are booming. I wish I'd jumped in sooner.

I've been buying ILF since it was at $75 and it continues to grow

Latin America is energy independent and diverse... Wait for a pullback and hold for the long run.

Latin America - True Bull Market.

I'm underweighted in Latin America, and this fund has a good history, a decent spread of stocks and the management fees are low:)

Cheers, PB

ILF is an ETF by IShares. ILF trackes the S&P Latin America 40 Index. This index is comprised of selected equities trading on the exchange of four Latin American Countries. Companies from Mexicao, Brazil, Argentina and Chile are represented in the index. I like this ETF for diversification. I also, think that Latin America is in the process of growing. As with other foriegn equities there is political risk. Latin American countries are not as stable as well developed countries. Changes in leadership can happen rapidlly and workers could strike. I believe this is a good ETF for a particular purpose but should not constitue a large percentage of any portfolio.

Brazil carries this ETF and Mexico keeps it stable...

mexico, nuf said

market will go up over next year, so guess what, hey, latin america!!

Regional low cost international play.