An ETF With All Russia's Benefits -- and Risks

As the largest country on the face of the planet, Russia has its fare share of natural resources. It also has an economy that continues to grow at a healthy clip as evidenced by its 8.5% expansion in the first quarter.

Last spring, Van Eck Global launched its Market Vectors-Russia ETF (RSX Quote) to give investors access to the country.

"The fund was developed from our understanding that Russia was being under-represented among the BRICs and deserved its own ETF," says Adam Phillips, Van Eck's Director of ETF Sales.

Harvey Hirsch, a senior vice president at Van Eck, acknowledges the fund's heavy exposure to commodities and to the oil and gas sectors. ...