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ETFs for a Mature Market with Real Signs of Economic Growth
Daily Gains Letter publishes daily updates on personal finance, investment strategies and financial planning related topics.
The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average may be trading at record highs, but not everyone is enjoying the so-called signs of economic growth. In fact, there isn’t too much for the average American to cheer about when it comes to the U.S. economy.
Fortunately, investors looking to benefit from real economic growth may consider diversifying their investing boundaries and looking at exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with exposure to one of the most mature economies in the world: the United Kingdom.
As Wall Street and the Federal Reserve celebrate economic growth in America, here are a couple numbers to consider: U.S. unemployment remains stubbornly high at 7.4% (and has been above seven percent for over four years now) and the underemployment rate is at an eye-watering 14% (and has been at least 14% since 2009). On top of that, wages are flat (minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 an hour since July 24, 2009), personal debt is up, the growth rate of real disposable income is at its lowest levels in decades, and, not surprisingly, July’s consumer confidence numbers slipped.
Many point to housing as a sure sign of economic growth; however, U.S. home ownership is at its lowest level in 18 years and U.S. housing prices are still 25% below their 2006 highs. Those who lost their homes or are unable to get a foot on the property ladder are left paying all-time record-high rent prices.
The long-running bull market has more to do with the Federal Reserve’s $85.0-billion-per-month stimulus package and artificially low interest rates. Real economic recovery is rooted in economic growth and jobs, not downward revisions.
Over the last week, there was a raft of data that suggests that the U.K. is experiencing legitimate economic growth, that confidence is returning, and that sustained economic growth will be faster than expected.
The UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), a measure of U.K. construction companies, grew at its fastest pace in three years, improving from 51.0 to 57.0 (a reading above 50 indicates growth). Residential construction increased at its fastest pace since June 2010, while business activity rose for the third month in a row. (Source: “Strongest construction output growth since June 2010, led by surge in housing activity,” Markit Economics web site, August 2, 2013.)
In July, U.K. manufacturing roared back to life at the fastest pace since February 2011—further proof that the economic growth experienced in the first half of the year is expected to continue. The UK Manufacturing PMI climbed to 54.6 in July, versus 52.9 recorded in June. Anything over 50 shows sector expansion, while anything below that indicates contraction. (Source: “Growth of UK manufacturing production and new orders surges higher in July,” Markit Economics web site, August 1, 2013.)
Further evidence that economic growth in the U.K. is in full swing: June unemployment levels fell at their quickest pace in three years, dropping 21,200 to 1.48 million, the biggest drop since June 2010. The unemployment rate in the U.K. currently sits at 7.8%. (Source: “UK unemployment falls by 57,000 to 2.51 million,” BBC web site, July 17, 2013.)
While there is a lot of work yet ahead for the U.K., the current level of economic growth is a great sign. For investors wanting to take advantage of mature markets, they can consider ETFs that have large exposure to the U.K., like the iShares MSCI United Kingdom Index (NYSEArca/EWU) or the First Trust United Kingdom AlphaDEX (NYSEArca/FKU).
Investing is about taking advantage of emerging opportunities. And right now, the U.K. might be one of the brightest economies out there.
The post ETFs for a Mature Market with Real Signs of Economic Growth appeared first on Daily Gains Letter.
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Source: http://www.dailygainsletter.com/investment-strategy/etfs-for-a-mature-market-with-real-signs-of-economic-growth/1313/
