How much emerging-market exposure should your clients have?

A growing number of individual investors are seeking returns from emerging markets, with China and the Brazil at the top of the list. With that, a growing number of clients are experiment with varying levels of emerging market exposure within their equity portfolios. How much is enough - or too much - exposure? Of course, each individual will have a different set of needs, risk tolerance and risk horizon. But in our Portfolio Manager Viewpoints webcast with John P. Calamos Sr. earlier this week, Mr. Calamos suggested that emerging markets should now make up roughly 10-15% of an investor's equity allocation (with part of the allocation dedicated to 'core' emerging market holdings, and part allocated for more tactical emerging market investing.) If you missed the webcast with Mr. Calamos, the replay is available on demand. Mr. Calamos explores different ways investors can now get exposure to emerging markets - whether it's through direct investments, or by investing in multi-national companies that generate a significant chunk of their revenue from emerging markets. To listen to the replay, click here.