Are the Emerging Markets in Trouble Again?

The Russian Ruble has collapsed. Its economy appears to be headed into a recession. Oil prices have plunged. The US Dollar (USD) has surged. Emerging markets debt has grown significantly since the “Great Recession.” Are we on the verge of a repeat of 1997 and 1998 when we saw a surge of defaults by the countries collectively called the “Emerging Markets?”

This commentary discusses whether the emerging markets should remain an important long-term investment despite these difficulties.