Events Like N. Korea Nuke Test Should Create a Buying Opportunity

North Korea's announcement that it tested a nuclear weapon is a "sign of desperation'' and declines in Asian stocks following the statement will be short-lived, according to Templeton's Mark Mobius in this Bloomerg report:

"This is actually not a big deal and I don't expect long-term effects for the markets,'' said Mobius, who oversees about $30 billion in emerging-market equities, in an interview. "This is something I have been expecting for quite some time now.''

I agree. I haven't done any buying in Asia since adding to my Takefuji (TAKAF.PK) position in August.

But if you've got a list of portfolio candidates in the region, events like this or the Thai coup can offer up opportunities to buy -- if stock prices suddenly fall for no other apparent reason.

Editor's note: ETFs covering the Asian market include iShares MSCI Hong Kong (EWH), iShares MSCI Japan (EWJ) and iShares MSCI South Korea (EWY).

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