[Emerging-market bond funds did well this quarter, up 3.6% on average, for the same reason as emerging-market stocks. As commodity prices rose, money from the developed world flooded such commodity-rich countries as Russia and Brazil, strengthening their fiscal balance sheets and the credit quality of their bonds. Consequently, investors became less fearful of owning them.] Many so-called emerging markets have long since emerged, ... Russia now has an investment-grade credit rating and with oil where it is right now, probably more money in the bank than the U.S.
|