Dale, I agree without understanding the language and
culture, it is much riskier (most US co. except Coca Cola,
Xerox, etc, are paying lesson fees in China. :))
I think ranking number 1 or 2 is too close to make
much difference. They are simply too risky to invest
significant amount of one's portfolios there. China's
risk in in political side: one never who is in charge
and what is the effect of that. Its economic condition
is much better, with the highest rate of growth
in the world and an extremely high saving rate.
As for SA, regardless of its economic problems, I think
the gold stocks are very attractive now. The only
thing is the timing of investment. If half of SA mining
co. would be closed due to any further gold fall (is that
possible!?), then I don't want to catch a falling knife yet...
btw, both IBD (jul. 11) and Barrons today have very good
but opposing analysis about gold. Together they
kind of give us what the reality (IBD) and market perception
(Barron's) are about gold. Since market perception is so
important, gold needs some significant catalysts to turn
around...
regards, Keith |
