Mike S. Newton, CIM FCSI Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Em Mkts Equity ETF GEM-N COMMENT Oct 11, 2017

Emerging markets are breaking out from a long-term, 5-7 years, sideways move. The valuation on this is really interesting. The weighted average P/E ratio is 13.7. It is about 70% Asia, and more specifically about a quarter is China. Has had a good run being up about 25% in 12 months, but thinks that will continue.

(A Top Pick Feb. 27/17, Up 28%). Low MER and has held up during the recent dip. Has held it for a while. Emerging markets ETFs have done especially well.

It weights stocks by risk factor, like low volatility and momentum. The smart Beta phenomenon has come into force in ETFs. As a macro investor, he likes pure beta. Prefers picking stocks by picking themes, trends, sectors and countries. A fine ETF, but prefers accessing emerging markets by picking countries and sectors instead.

He really likes the emerging markets. If you missed buying into them earlier, now is a good time given all the tariffs and the strong U.S. dollar. Last year, the MSCI was double the valuation of the U.S. market, and today it is half. You can see a 18% growth rate.

He likes the concept of active management. However, you need to be aware of the funds mandate. As an ETF, it will be very limited in its management. This fund is limited to emerging markets, which he feels is the not the best asset to be adding to right now.