Emerging Market ETFs – Option Investability Index™

To capture major and minor market moves in emerging markets, I frequently use ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) that meet certain standards regarding volume, open interest and liquidity measures (such as bid-ask).

Thus, I only trade emerging market ETFs that meet my standards on option investability. For this purpose I have created the Option Investability Index™ – Oii™, which is a proprietary index that rates ETFs and equities on a scale of 1 to 5 (with 5 being the best). The higher the number, the higher your confidence in terms of implementing the appropriate option strategy to take advantage of price movements in emerging markets.

For example, a score of 3 is fine. But this might be a little risky depending on the option strategy and market conditions, thus you should really look for scores of 4 and 5 to cover most market conditions. It should be noted that during abnormal market conditions, such as during a financial crisis, this might not true and to be on the safe side you might want to reduce the index score by 1 or 2 levels.

Looking at the table below, you will notice that certain ETFs – (EEM), (FXI), (EPI), (EWZ), (RSX), and (EWY) score very high (4 or 5). These ETFs correspond to the iShares Emerging Markets, China, India, Brazil, Russia and South Korea respectively. You should feel confident in most market conditions with these particular ETFs.

Also acceptable, but with a bit of caution, are the ETFs of Mexico ( EWW ), Malaysia (EWM) and Vanguard Emerging Markets (VWO).

What is not listed in the table below are ETFs from the following countries: South Africa, Indonesia, Turkey, Philippines, Poland, Thailand, Chile, Vietnam and Columbia. Some of these might be OK to use during expected major market moves and under certain conditions.

Emerging Markets EFTs - Option Investability Index

Last week, the FED decision sparked numerous emerging markets. Considering the current account deficits of India, Turkey and Indonesia for example, the risks going forward are growing for these countries.

A FED decision is expected by as early as the next meeting in October and more reasonably by December. The question is how one might play future volatility in these markets using ETFs as a vehicle. To fine tune your risk/reward, options are a good bet. The problem as can be seen in the chart above is that Turkish and Indonesian ETFs are not listed since the score was very low (Turkey) or options were not available (Indonesia).  Thus, India seems the better bet in terms of speculating with options on the WisdomTree India Earnings Fund.

For the meeting in October, a reasonable option strategy is a strangle, which is purchasing calls and puts that are slightly out of money. A medium size or large move in either direction should lead to a profitable trade while also covering the trading costs.

In contrast a straddle would be more expensive to implement since both the call and put would be at-the-money and trading costs would predominate here.

The expected FED decision should move markets enough to make a strangle strategy profitable. Since the direction of the expected FED decision in October is less certain this is probably the best strategy.

If the move does not happen in October, a more directional strategy such as buying a put would be better since you are speculating that the probability of the FED taking action is greater in December.

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