(New York)

Emerging markets have been on a wild ride this year, with many entering into bear markets. But what about EM debt? That market has faced headwinds as the US Dollar is strengthening on the back of expectations for higher rates. However, some bond fund managers really like EM debt right now. While USD denominated debt from countries like Argentina get a lot of the attention, local currency EM debt can be very rewarding. In Brazil and Mexico, for instance, local currency bonds are yielding 10% and 7%, respectively. Other countries with solid local currency debt are South Africa, India, and Indonesia.

FINSUM: So there seem to be two big risks here. One is the exchange rate risk, and the other is credit risk. That said, these yields do seem to be rewarding, and worthwhile if they are a small part of a portfolio.