An Emerging Opportunity

 | May 01, 2016 02:02AM ET

Emerging markets are enjoying a strong rally, with the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF (NYSE:EEM) up more than 20% since January 20, 2016.

This exchange-traded fund (which, by the way, is one of the most costly ways for investors to access emerging markets ) tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.

The index consists of 23 countries that represent 10% of world market capitalization, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as well as Mexico, Greece, Qatar, Turkey, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Factors supporting the rally include a dovish U.S. Federal Reserve, waning risks of a devaluation of the Chinese yuan, a sluggish but clear rally for oil prices, and tentative signs of stabilizing economic conditions in the U.S. and China.

The Middle Kingdom, however, may be the No. 1 factor: Chinese assets represent nearly a quarter of the weighting in EEM. South Korea and Taiwan account for 15% and 12%, respectively.

Russia and Brazil combine for 10%. India represents about 8%.

Brazil’s BOVESPA index, by the way, is up more than 40% this year.

That’s the on-the-ground view right now.

Wall Street Daily Chief Income Analyst Alan Gula – who pays close attention to China and its impact on the global economy for readers of his premium advisory The Shockproof Investor – provides a broader, more historical context in this week’s Saturday Spotlight.