It may be hard to believe, with global markets still pressured by ongoing conflict over the Strait of Hormuz, but now could be the time for emerging markets. Emerging markets can help investors diversify away from AI hyperscalers that already constitute big parts of portfolios.
While it may have been in the headlines for weeks without conclusion, a U.S.-Iran deal may be actually nearing — for real this time. Markets have been anticipating some kind of arrangement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for some time.
Investors are looking for opportunities in ex-U.S. equities. In January, flows into ex-U.S. international equities ETFs helped to break records as investors clamored for ways to diversify into cheaper stocks away from mega cap tech.
Gemfields Group Limited (AIM:GEM) sees its 'Buy' recommendation repeated by Panmure Liberum, with a 13pence target price, after the miner's year-end update, with the broker pointing to commissioning progress at its new ruby processing plant and signs of improved cash generation. Panmure Liberum said commissioning of the second processing plant at the Montepuez Ruby Mine is expected to be completed “imminently”, adding that it is “being delivered materially on budget”.
If 2025 was a very kind year for emerging markets, what will 2026 hold? Many investors and market watchers are anticipating a strong repeat performance for ex-U.S. stocks.
China equities have had their highs and lows in recent years. Having historically provided high levels of growth, debt and governance concerns saw many investors turn from them.
Ex-U.S. equities have been a bright spot for portfolios this year, offering a source of return as U.S. markets have faced volatility. Entering 2025, many investors were already moving to add ex-U.S. stocks to address a recent underwriting trend; Liberation Day and further tariffs have added to that momentum.
Black Swan Graphene (TSX-V:SWAN) told investors that it has ordered a new production unit that will more than triple its annual graphene production capacity to 140 tonnes as part of its ongoing effort to scale up the supply of graphene-enhanced masterbatch (GEM) materials amid growing commercial engagement. The new production unit will be installed at the company's existing facility located at Thomas Swan & Co in Consett, United Kingdom, Black Swan said in a commercial update on Tuesday.
These purchases add to FUL's prior investments in the tissue adhesives market.