This ETF Is a 'BRIC' House

Our conclusion in presenting the accompanying list of ETFs with the highest possible grades of A+ from TheStreet.com Ratings is this: Knowing when to get out is as important as getting in.

The Claymore/BNY BRIC ETF(EEB Quote) spreads its investments among the "BRIC" nations -- Brazil, Russia, India and China. In addition to geographic diversification, its holding offers diversity in investments, ranging from resource-rich Brazil and Russia to English-capable, tech-savvy India and manufacturing powerhouse China.

Funds focusing on the BRIC countries have been going great guns in recent years. While EEG has surrendered 14.59% during the first quarter, it is still priced at more than double its level of a year and a half ago and trading at close to 20 times the weighted average earnings of its portfolio holdings.

Secular growth in the quartet of nations in which EEB invests might provide for substantial long-term returns. But these are still emerging markets, which are certain to experience severe bumps along the way. The credit crunch and the attendant economic contraction in the U.S. -- a major customer of BRIC output -- will have an impact on the fund. ...