ETF for Aussie gains

Article Excerpt

Australia weathered the financial crisis without going into recession — unlike almost all other major global economies. Stimulus spending helped, but it also benefited from strong demand for its exports from China. As well, like Canada, Australia has a strong banking sector that didn’t need government bailouts. Australia’s recent election has resulted in a minority government. That should benefit the Australian economy, because it will stop all parties from pursuing their dumbest or most extreme ideas. It pays to remember that our minority government has put Conservatives and Liberals in a similar balancing act. That helps explain why Canada has done better economically than the U.S., and continues to do so. In addition to stable banking and political systems, as well as high demand for its exports, Australia is close to Asian markets, and is rich in natural resources. Here’s an ETF that lets investors profit from these strengths. ISHARES AUSTRALIA INDEX FUND $22.23 (New York symbol EWA; buy or sell through brokers), is an…