5 ETFs to Watch This Week

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Here are five ETFs to watch this week.

iShares MSCI South Africa Index Fund (EZA)

Although it struggled during the start of August, the South Africa ETF has staged an impressive comeback and is once again trading around pre-sell off levels. The fund's multi-week ascension has boded well for its momentum positioning. EZA has witnessed a climb across both our short- and long-term rankings.

Sweeping macro concerns facing the developed world could prove to be a hurdle for emerging nations like South Africa. Nevertheless, EZA may be exciting to watch in the days ahead.

In the past, I have highlighted EZA as a unique alternative play on precious metals. Though designed to cast a wide net over South Africa's markets, the fund's index boasts heavy exposure to precious metal miners including Impala Platinum, Anglogold Ashanti (AU), and Gold Fields (GFI). As investors continue to clamor for exposure to gold and other shiny metals, these producers could be ripe for strength.

Additionally, Sasol (SSL), the firm's second largest position, is slated to report its quarterly earnings numbers at the start of the week.

SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT)

Best Buy (BBY) will step up to the earnings plate during the first half of this week to report its performance numbers over the past three-month period. Although the company represents a less than 1% slice of XRT's index, the consumer electronics giant's insight will likely provide clues as to the strength of the consumer.

The consumer is a heavy focus within this week's economic calendar as well. During the middle of the week, investors, analysts and market commentators will have their sights set on retail sales numbers and CPI data.

In the past, consumer sectors have witnessed impressive stability in the face of economic turmoil. Looking ahead, I encourage investors to keep funds like XRT on the radar.

SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)

The past few days have been a rollercoaster ride for physically-backed gold ETFs like GLD and iShares Gold Trust (IAU).

These products could be set for strength in the event that resounding market concerns continue to drive investors into safe havens.

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