The term BRIC refers to the emerging markets of Brazil, Russia, India and China.
It was originally coined in a 2003 Goldman Sachs report written by global economist Jim O'Neill.
In the report, titled Dreaming with the BRICs, O'Neill predicted India's growth rate would be the highest - not China's - and said its economy would overtake Japan's by 2032.
So what makes the BRIC nations so special, why should you consider investing in them and how can you go about it?
Our special focus on BRIC will provide you with all the answers...
A long-standing friend and former client of mine, who was a fund manager in a previous life, now lives in China. He sends me periodic bulletins about the state of the Chinese economy and stockmarket.
Indonesia has said that it will take more of the profits from its vast mineral resources by limiting foreign ownership of mines.
Last year Brazil became the sixth-largest economy in the world but since then, it has been one of the poorest performers in share price terms. But is now the time to give the Latin American country another look?
After a painful time in 2011, when emerging markets equities fell 18%, Pictet Asset Management believes 2012 will be much better, as foreign investment flows back into emerging countries.
When it comes to emerging markets, China seems to be the focus of attention, but the country to watch in 2012 is India, says Edward Bland of Duncan Lawrie Private Bank.
The latest reshuffle of listed firms on London's leading bourse sees the arrival of former Soviet miners Evraz and Polymetal. But what are the implications for the index - and investors?
With a political sea change seemingly afoot in Russia, investors could be forgiven for giving the market a wide berth. But David Reid, analyst for The Eastern European Trust, says that when global volatility stabilises, there's a strong likelihood Russia will outperform global rivals.
Chinese economic growth could slow to almost zero next year, a former chief economist of Asia-Pacific markets has said.
Emerging market investors are well read on China's investment story, but have somewhat lost the plot with Russia's epic tale. Heather Connon explains why it's set to build on a phenomenal decade-long record.
With an increasing number of options, the BRIC markets could be an interesting gateway for active investors. Be aware of the risks, says Cherry Reynard, as she underlines ways to gain exposure.
Now the second-largest economy in the world, and with no sign of growth slowing, China continues to lure investors. But Esther Armstrong asks: is it still the leader of the BRIC pack?
The manager of JPMorgan Indian Investment Trust urges investors to get back behind India and take advantage of long-term potential, writes Lindsay Vincent.
Sarah Modlock talks to Guido Stiel, co-manager of the Allianz RCM BRIC Stars fund, about his fund's approach to BRIC and offers advice on investing in the region.
Wed, 06/04/2011 - 05:00
South Africa and Indonisia are just two of the countries discussed as potential entrants to BRIC. But are they worthy? Brian Coulton, Emerging Market Strategist at Legal & General Investment Management considers this and other key BRIC issues.
Changes in demographics within Brazil are only going to enhance the South American giant's investment appeal, says Dean Newman, head of emerging markets equities at Invesco Perpetual.
Europe's largest bank, HSBC, is following in the footsteps of rival Barclays in closing its retail banking operation in Russia after just two years.
What does 2011 hold for Russia and its investors? Douglas Helfer, manager of HSBC GIF Russia Equity Fund, gives us his perspective.
The greater China sector offers investors a gateway to the continued economic growth in the country - but it's not without its risks.
Fri, 25/03/2011 - 05:00
Whether you're already invested or thinking of putting your money into BRIC, you can't afford to miss the expert view of 2011 potential from Brian Coulton, Emerging Market Strategist, Legal & General Investment Management
Andrew Beal, manager of the Henderson TR Pacific investment trust, says while events in Japan have been tragic, he doesn't expect the economic impact on Asia's emerging nations to be significant.
As Brazil, Russia, India and China met for their annual summit, speculation mounted that a new member in the shape of South Africa could be set to gatecrash the BRIC party.
India was tipped as being the jewel in the BRIC crown by the man who coined the phrase. But eight years on, has it lived up to expectations and what does it have to offer investors now?
Will China's 12th Five-Year Plan herald a period of sustainable growth? Heather Connon finds fund managers at odds.
Tue, 29/03/2011 - 05:00
It's importnant to know when to jump in and the pitfalls to avoid when it comes to BRIC. Legal & General Investment Management's Brian Coulton explains what to look for. For more on BRIC visit: http://www.iii.co.uk/articles/specials/guide-bric
What does 2011 hold for Brazil and its investors? Jose Cuervo, manager of HSBC GIF Brazil Equity Fund, gives us his perspective.
With the strongest economy in South America - and one that's still growing - Brazil has plenty to offer investors. Sarah Modlock profiles the country.
Despite a growing economy in 2010, Brazil's stock exchange was one of the worst performers in emerging markets. Urban Larson, director of emerging equities at F&C Asset Management, outlines how Brazil can make amends in 2011.
Fri, 25/03/2011 - 05:00
What does 2011 hold for the emerging markets in BRIC? We asked expert Philip Poole, Global Head of Macro & Investment Strategy, HSBC Global Asset Management. For more on BRIC visit: http://www.iii.co.uk/articles/specials/guide-bric
North Atlantic economic hegemony is on the wane. But with few safe havens to make for, investors must track the ebb and flow of global capital as they set sail for developing markets, advises Barry Riley.
While the economies of the West continue to struggle, those of the emerging markets are powering forward. Heather Connon explores the growing pile of investment options.
There are many uncertainties about investing in China, but with economic power moving East, can you afford to miss out, asks Esther Armstrong.
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