As developed countries see stagnant economic growth ahead (at best) and continuing problems from the sovereign debt crisis (at worst), emerging markets (EM) present a compelling story for investment.
Throughout 2010, the two EM countries vying for top spot in investor’s hearts have been India and Brazil. Hedge fund managers in both markets have delivered strong performance through 2010 (as of Oct 31, the HFRX Brazil Index is +13.89% YTD and the HFRX India Index is +18.76% YTD). What may give India the boost over its competitor is the bullish outlook for all of Asia, and the sheer size of the growing India population.
“We have been marketing India since 1996 and I have never seen more interest in that market in my career. American investors especially are as enthusiastic about India as they were about China ten years ago. India’s time has come now,” says Vic Mehrotra, CEO of Boston-based Venus Capital.