In The Name of Money

With gas prices falling, so integral to the Russian economy, they're looking to get friendly all over again with the EU. If the EU tries to leave them out of the picture, the Russians may get left behind... and not like being there.

No more fun with PBR?

Petrobras might get nationalized. Sure Brazil has plenty of poor people to support, but is socialization really the answer?

Watch this!

Jubak added CMED to his watch list. China Medical Technologies stands to gain from any stimulus the Chinese government might do to keep things moving in their economy. Note that he is just keeping an eye on it, he's been noting in his journal that keeping mostly in cash and waiting on the sidelines is most prudent at this juncture.

Who wants in?

Hopefully the Brazilian government doesn't want too big of a cut out of the profits from Petrobras, bolstered by another oil find. Word is the president of Brazil wants to get in on the fun, possibly nationalizing the company. No small part of the Brazilian ETF, EWZ, is taken up by PBR.

India being hit hard.

India is feeling the effects of the trouble with the world economy, as inflation is rising and factory growth slowing. A country that hasn't had any reforms over the past few years might struggle to do so in the near future due to elections.

G(r)8 Debate

The only country in BRIC, Russia, that's part of the G-8 took part in discussions with the 7 other members recently. A decent supply of food for the world seemed a bigger concern than any woes the economy might be going through. Expanding the G-8 could be in the works. If China is allowed to join then they may be held to higher standards, good for everyone.

FXP for hungry China Bears.

Jim Jubak, a guy with a great track record over at MSN Money, has written about China and the risk involved. There is a Proshares offering, FXP, that tries to double short the FXI. Check the holdings of FXI so you know what you're getting into. If you're of the opinion that China's market will drop further, give FXP a look.