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Small-Cap Brazil ETF (EWZS) Hits New 52-Week High

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For investors seeking momentum, iShares MSCI Brazil Small-Cap (EWZS - Free Report) is probably on radar now. The fund just hit a 52-week high, and is up about 112.5% from its 52-week low price of $6.25 per share.

But are more gains in store for this ETF? Let’s take a quick look at the fund and the near-term outlook on it to get a better idea on where it might be headed:

EWZS in Focus    

This ETF looks to track the MSCI Brazil Small Cap Index. The fund has a small cap focus with key holdings in the consumer discretionary, utilities, and materials segments. EWZS charges investors 63 basis points a year in fees and has top holdings in Bradespar Pref SA, Estacio Participacoes SA and Companhia De Saneamento Do Parana (see: Latin American Equity ETFs here).  

Why the Move?

In view of cooling inflation (which has once been at the sky-high level) and soft economic growth, Brazil embarked on an aggressive policy easing cycle. On January 11, the central bank cut the interest rate by 75 basis points to 13.00%, surpassing market expectations of a cut of 50 bps. This was followed by two back-to-back cuts of 25 basis-points each.

Also, Brazilian Finance Minister expects the country to return to the growth path and escape recession in the first quarter of 2017. This gave a boost to consumer confidence in Brazil as low rates provide some relief to the debt-ridden families. Since small-cap stocks better reflect the domestic economy, recent gains in EWZS are self-explanatory.  

More Gains Ahead?

Currently, EWZS has a Zacks ETF Rank #5 (Strong Sell) with a High risk outlook. However, investors with a strong stomach for risks can still play it as long as market fundamentals remains the same. This is because the fund has a positive weighted alpha of 91.50. A positive weighted alpha hints at more gains.

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