Stay Away From These Industry Focused ETFs

The economic impact caused by governments around the world to combat the spread of Covid-19 and save lives has taken its toll on nearly every industry. However, while there are arguments to be made that most of those industries will “bounce” back in a reasonable fashion, there is one in particular that truly may never be the same. Or at the very best not until we see a truly effective treatment for Covid-19 or a vaccine.

That industry is travel and leisure-tourism. The airlines have been battered, hotel stocks have been beaten up, and if tourist attractions around the world where publicly traded companies, most of them would have likely already filed for bankruptcy (mild attempt at a joke, you will still be able to visit the Grand Canyon and the pyramids in Egypt in the future.)

But in all seriousness, how long until you will feel comfortable going to New York city and jumping in an elevator to head to the top of the Empire State building? Or even fly to Denver, to stay in a crowded Vail Resorts owned ski resort and then sit on a chair lift or gondola with strangers? How about walk around and stand in lines at an amusement park? Go to a large sporting event or music venue? Continue reading "Stay Away From These Industry Focused ETFs"

5 ETFs To Avoid Because Of The Coronavirus

With the Coronavirus spreading around the world, the major US and world markets have moved lower in a big way. I recently noted why these moves lowered occurred. While I don't believe at this time, we have enough information to accurately determine if this new virus is going to be a Black Swan and crash the world economies. I do believe we should all start thinking about what we are going to do if the situation does get worse.

With that in mind, let's take a look at a few industries and ETFs that you may want to avoid investing in if the Coronavirus situation does continue to get worse.

The travel industry would be high on my list of businesses to avoid right now. The US airlines have already stopped flying to China and have announced plans to cut flights to other profoundly affected countries around the world. Hotels also are seeing lower fewer guests as tourism and business travel have rapidly declined as travel restrictions have been put in place by both governments and corporations. Think Marriott, Southwest Airlines, Delta, even Boeing.

And of course, we shouldn't forget about the gaming and casino industry. While these stocks could be lumped in with the Hotels, most people consider this industry to be separate from the rest of the leisure industry. Think MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts, and Las Vegas Sands.

The next types of business we should be looking at are those that operate in very public events. Continue reading "5 ETFs To Avoid Because Of The Coronavirus"

Coronavirus - ETFs You Should Avoid

With the deadly Coronavirus outbreak continuing to spread and countless US companies let alone Chinese firms suspend business in China, even though the true extent of that effect is yet to be known, it’s clear there is going to be some economic effect from this disease.

Like it or not, we all live in a world that is becoming increasingly more interconnected and interdependent. This is the same reason a disease like Coronavirus is so quick to spread around the world and why the impact on stocks is not going to be limited to those firms based solely in China.

This makes it even more difficult for investors to truly determine what is safe and what isn’t in the stock market right now. However, we do have some low hanging fruit in terms of what you should not own at this time.

The first Exchange Traded Funds you should be avoiding right now are going to be the pure-play Chinese equity ETFs. The iShares MSCI China ETF (MCHI) or the SPDR S&P China ETF (GXC) should be on your sell list or high on the list of what not to buy. These funds invest in Chinese equities and don’t favor one sector more than others. The longer the ‘quarantine’ periods last in the different provinces in China, the more these ETFs are going to be hurt, end of story. However, these could be two outstanding options if you are looking to buy back into the Chinese markets once the Coronavirus scare dies off.

Furthermore, ETFs such as the Continue reading "Coronavirus - ETFs You Should Avoid"