World Economic Forum: There's An ETF For That

The annual meeting of the world's supposedly elite economic minds and leaders known as the World Economic Forum is underway in Davos, Switzerland and there's plenty for investors to watch on this year's agenda. At the top of the list is what European leaders and policymakers have to say about the region's sovereign debt woes. There are also plenty of CEO's in the house at Davos, including Bank of America's BAC Brian Moynihan and J.P. Morgan Chase's JPM Jamie Dimon. That's just naming a couple of the CEOs from U.S. companies. The Davos confab attracts leaders from mega companies from all over the world not to mention some of the most successful investors. Add it all up and the World Economic Forum is indeed a tradeable event. Get in on the action with these ETFs. Vanguard MSCI Europe ETF VGK Last year was quite unkind to the Vanguard MSCI Europe ETF, but the ETF has been solid in 2012 up 5% year-to-date. Home to almost 460 stocks, many of the blue chip variety, positive comments from marquee speakers at the World Economic Forum could help more near-term gains for VGK. Also consider the SPDR EURO STOXX 50 ETF FEZ as long as it can hold support at $30. Global X FTSE Greece 20 ETF GREK Plenty of attention, good and bad, has been heaped on the newly minted GREK. That should not obfuscate the fact the ETF is up over 8% year-to-date. GREK is a highly tradeable Davos play on the notion that the more European leaders reiterate their commitment to keeping the Euro Zone in tact, the better it is for Greek equities. iShares MSCI Germany ETF EWG German Chancellor Angela Merkel reportedly impressed business leaders with comments earlier today and she appeared firmly committed to restoring the world's confidence in Europe. Germany, which still has an AAA credit rating, is worth retaining confidence in, but the question remains how willing is the average German about footing the bill for the PIIGS? That probably won't be answered at Davos, but if EWG moves above $22, it's a buy. iShares S&P Global Materials ETF MXI Rio Tinto RIO CEO Tom Albanese made some positive comments about mining stocks in Davos today and should that bullish sentiment be echoed by his brethren from high-beta rivals such as BHP Billiton BHP and Vale VALE, it could spark some buying in global mining giants, lending conviction to the risk-on trade in the process. SPDR S&P Emerging Latin America ETF GML It may seem like the World Economic Forum is all about Europe this year, but don't be fooled. Latin American leaders have already spoken positively about their region, noting it can whether a global recession. While the SPDR S&P Emerging Latin America ETF isn't the most diverse out there, Brazil and Mexico accounting for 85% of the ETF's weight is just fine this week as those will be the markets to lead LatAm equities higher. Global X FTSE Nordic Region ETF GXF The Global X FTSE Nordic Region ETF is a fine candidate for an ETF baby being thrown out with the Euro Zone's bathwater. Sweden accounts for almost 48% of this ETF's with Denmark, Norway and Finland making up the rest. GXF could be in play as a Davos alternative to Euro Zone ETFs. GXF should be in play because of a decent yield and a 2011 repudiation that was too harsh, meaning there is good value with this fund at current levels.