Emerging vs. Developed Market Total Returns Since 1987

Posted by David Hunkar on 20 September 2016, 3:11 am

Emerging markets have outperformed developed markets this year. As of Sept 9, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index is up 14.5% while the MSCI World Index is up 2.7% according to an article by investment guru Mark Mobius. The MSCI World index is a proxy for developed markets.

The following chart shows the total return of Emerging vs. Developed Market since 1987:

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Source: Emerging-Market Resilience, Mark Mobius, Franklin Templeton Investments, Sept 15, 2016

In addition to the resilience of emerging markets this year, Mr.Mark is bullish on the long-term investment case for these markets. Factors like rising purchasing power, favorable demographics, etc. should benefit developing countries.

Related ETFs:

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM)
Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO)

Disclosure: No Positions

US Obesity Rates By State

Posted by David Hunkar on 20 September 2016, 1:11 am

Obesity is a major health epidemic in the US. Billions of dollars are wasted per year in treating all the health issues caused by obesity. However drug firms, hospitals and others profit from treating obesity and related illnesses.

The following chart shows obesity rates by state:

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†Obese is defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30.0; BMI was calculated from self-reported weight and height (weight [kg]/ height [m²). Respondents reporting weight < 50 pounds or ≥ 650 pounds; height < 3 feet or ≥ 8 feet; or BMI: <12 or ≥ 100 were excluded. Pregnant respondents were also excluded. Washington D.C. falls in the 20 -< 25 category.

Source: Schwab Sector Views: What’s Ailing Health Care? by Brad Sorenson, Charles Schwab