Low-Volatility ETFs Are a Sign of the Times

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- In 2001, an economist coined an acronym that typified investing in the initial decade of this century. Indeed, "BRIC" became part and parcel of our vocabulary.

BRIC refers to four of the largest economic powerhouses in the emerging world: Brazil, Russia, India and China. And for investors, it became a must-know concept for success in the 2002-2007 global bull market.

A variety of BRIC ETFs were introduced in that time, including Guggenheim BNY BRIC (EEB), iShares MSCI BRIC (BKF) and SPDR S&P BRIC 40 (BIK). We even watched combo vehicles make their way to the table such as First Trust Chindia (FNI).

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Investors quickly bought into the notion that -- with 40% of the world's population residing in these four countries alone -- the global growth potential would translate into remarkable investing gains. And for the better part of 2002-2007, the theory held true.

By the same token, lumping the Big Four into a single entity ignored unique circumstances within the individual countries. Countries like Russia were dependent on oil exports, while Brazil became one of China's largest raw materials suppliers. Meanwhile, many overestimated the rate at which export-driven economies would transition into middle class consumption-oriented economies. And few BRIC advocates had anticipated the ways in which different cultures would respond differently to global shocks.

It follows that the October 2007 to March 2009 bear market decimated portfolios with large BRIC exposure. Moreover, BRICs have severely underperformed in the 2009-2012 period.

The consequence of greed -- of earning more through BRIC-heavy portfolios -- has been significant underperformance over the last five years. What's more, the ETFs themselves have been less successful in terms of investor interest via waning assets under management.

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The BRICs in Your Wall Over the Last Five Years
					5 Year %
iShares MSCI BRIC (BKF)					-30.2%
Guggenheim BRIC (EEB)					-27.6%
SPDR S&P BRIC 40 (BIK)					-24.9%
S&P 500 SPDR Trust (SPY)					6.7%

The fact that these ETFs have been bleeding assets is primarily due to a shift from greed-based investing to fear-based investing. Whether that is rational, emotional or a combination of both, it's clear that fund providers recognize that a new BRIC ETF would have virtually no chance of succeeding right now. (Note: It's also clear that investors with well-defined exit strategies haven't experienced the depth of BRIC underperformance over the last five years.)

What concept is succeeding? Low-volatility funds. Why? For one thing, the 2009-2012 bull market has been noticeably kind to noncyclical sectors such as health care and staples -- segments that tend to be safer-haven equity choices. In addition, whether the media are talking about the fiscal cliff or Europe's ceaseless sovereign debt drama, investors are still fearful.

Indeed, fund providers have been quick to capitalize on the idea that you can invest for better than 0% in a savings account without the stress associated with the Dow falling 1000 points in a week. And low-volatility funds have experienced reasonably solid results in 2012.

Low-Volatility ETFs in 2012
					2012 YTD %
MSCI Emerging Markets Minimum Volatility (EEMV)					14.9%
MSCI All World Minimum Volatility (ACWV)					9.6%
MSCI USA Minimum Volatility (USMV)					9.4%
PowerShares S&P Low Volatility (SPLV)					6.6%
S&P 500 SPDR Trust (SPY)					13.9%
Dow Industrials Trust (DIA)					8.5%
Vanguard Emerging Markets (VWO)					10.6%

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