Direxion Daily MSCI Brazil Bull 2X Shares

BRZU

Market cap $126M

I recommend holding assets tracking major Brazilian indices despite new US tariffs, given heightened uncertainty and market volatility. Trump's 50% tariff on all Brazilian products will significantly impact Brazil's export-dependent economy, especially in commodities like oil and iron ore.

To escape the volatility, investors might be looking outside the U.S. for markets that haven't been roiled by heavy market fluctuations. Brazil could present such an option.

BRZU is a leveraged ETF designed for short-term trading, aiming to deliver 200% of the MSCI Brazil 25/50 Index's daily return. Historically, BRZU has underperformed with high volatility, making it unsuitable for long-term holding despite its potential for short-term gains. The Brazilian economy faces challenges, including high inflation and interest rates, impacting BRZU's performance, though recent stabilization offers short-term trading opportunities.

In a market brimming with uncertainty, investors are seeking ways to diversify from their core equities portfolio. One of the ways is seeking international opportunities, highlighting the benefits of international diversification.

The prospect of interest rate cuts adds some intrigue as a weaker dollar could prop up international equities. That said, Direxion has four funds traders may want to consider for short-term gains.

The likely start of interest rate cuts in America should benefit assets around the world, such as Brazil. Brazil's political noise is expected to decrease in the second half of 2024, benefiting investments. The Big Mac index points to a major devaluation of the Brazilian currency.

Emerging markets continued to expand at a solid pace midway into the first quarter of 2024, supported by broad-based expansion across both manufacturing and service sectors.

With the anticipation of rate cuts, the expectation that the U.S. dollar will fall is also an appended byproduct. That should fuel bullish opportunities in emerging markets (EM), including Brazil, whose equites are experiencing year-over-year growth.

China and Hong Kong markets had a humbling 2023 with equities down more than 10%. Beijing has also begun stepping up tourism and travel promotions, granting visa-free entry to 11 countries, with Singapore and Thailand the latest to be included.