dtblount

Invest in BIC, Not BRIC

I agree with everyone's criticism on your views regarding Russia.

While the RUB has taken a beating and the government has closed trading several times lately, it still provides amazing opportunity. With respect to your own argument, how is it any better than China??? China's currency is pegged/manipulated (depending on who is analyzing it), and the gov't has an even tighter grip on the economy and market than does Russia's. Granted, the Chinese have not exhibited such control lately, but the risk is still very much there. You could argue that Brazil is the weakest because Lula doesn't really have a formal education...or that India is the weakest because they suffer from a plethora of red tape from the British Colonial era. Your one line argument seeking to discount Russia is hardly sufficient. I am incredibly bullish of China...as well as India, Brazil, Russia, and a host of other EMs and FMs.

A country as rich in natural resources as Russia (crude, natty, platinum, palladium, gold, fresh water, grains, etc, etc) - not to mention a pretty decent military with regional diplomatic influence and FX reserves should absolutely be considered for investment. They could be self-sufficient if need be - plus, they have an energy stranglehold on Europe. Yes, there are risks...but I feel the rewards far outweigh these.

Instead of removing any one of the BRICs, I'd focus my time and efforts on figuring out who should be added.