Look to Germany
by Don Dion
TheStreet.com
April 28, 2011
Look to Germany Strong exports, a relatively weak U.S. dollar and new unemployment data all make the iShares MSCI Germany ETF an attractive short-term option. New data from the Nuremberg-based Federal Labor Agency has revealed that German unemployment has now fallen below 3 million to a 19-year low -- a trend that should help top firms in the EWG portfolio. An improving global economy has helped spur production, causing German firms to increase employee rolls. While the German jobless rate remains stagnant at 7.1%, the number of Germans out of work is currently at (adjusted) levels unseen since 1992. The hiring increase itself is revealing: The strength of Germany's production and exports has caused a renewed demand for workers. Looking forward, the hiring blitz could also be good news for German consumer stocks that benefit from an uptick in consumer spending...
*****************************************************
Germany has strong unions, comprehensive social safety net, mandatory heath insurance (but for-profit insurance companies and hospitals are illegal), free public education (K thru college undergraduate), state subsidized alternative energy programs (i.e., the 'Solar Roof' program), strict environmental standards, etc. All of the stuff that the Right claims is destroying or would destroy America, and yet it seems to NOT be the case with Germany. So all you wingers out there, please explain how this situation can possibly be?
| 