Emerging Markets Are Cheap: This Dividend-Weighted ETF May Beat The Cap-Weighted Index (DGS, DEM)

Summary
  • By all measures emerging market value is the cheapest major asset class as demonstrated in the famous GMO bar chart of asset classes.
  • The quantitative and value-based GMO view is affirmed by a comparison of Vanguard’s emerging markets fund to Vanguard ETFs representing several other asset classes.
  • Emerging value must be backed into by using factors such as high dividend yield and avoiding cap weighting; comparison to Vanguard emerging suggests three funds for consideration.
  • The risks of emerging markets differ from those of other asset classes, but the risks are well known; I suggest reducing China risk with strategies deemphasizing its large tech/internet stocks.
  • The right allocation for emerging value depends upon individual perspective on risk. Around 10% is conservative, but at current valuations up to 20% is OK for an informed risk taker.

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