Topic: How To Invest

Hello Pat: What are your current thoughts on the iShares MSCI Japan Index Fund? Thank you.

Article Excerpt

Shares MSCI Japan Index Fund, $9.70, symbol EWJ on the American exchange (Shares outstanding: 511.2 million; Market cap: $5.0 billion; us.ishares.com), has been hurt, along with most Japanese stocks, by the after-effects of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which slowed production of goods for export to the country’s major trading partners, including Europe and the U.S. Also hurting exports is the soaring yen, which has been trading at its highest levels since World War II. That makes Japanese goods more expensive in overseas markets. Even so, we think Japan’s economy will rebound as renewed growth in Europe and the U.S., as well as stronger growth in China, push up demand for Japanese exports. That will benefit shares of high-quality Japanese companies. iShares MSCI Japan Index Fund is a recommendation of our Canadian Wealth Advisor newsletter. The fund is still a buy. buy. …