Simple arithmetic charts are OK for short-term performance review, but can be misleading for long-term purposes. Semi-log charts are best for long-term perspective.

Arithmetic charts space each Dollar move equally on the vertical Y-axis. Semi-log charts space each percentage move equally on the vertical Y-axis. Either method creates only minor differences for short-term charts, but dramatic differences over the long-term, particularly if the security is strongly trending.

The following charts of MSCI emerging market indices illustrate the point. They show 15+ years of gross performance (price plus all dividends) for the emerging market index (proxies: EEM, VWO), India (proxy: INP), China (proxy: FXI), Brazil (proxy: EWZ), Russia (proxy: RSX) and Mexico (proxy EWW).

The semi-log format (called “semi” because the X-axis remains arithmetic with equal spaces between dates) gives a truer picture of trend.  A constant rate of change on

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Recently I posted how international ETF stand in relation P/E to GDP (link to post). The most undervalued seemed to be emerging markets of BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China).World markets had turned to negative on October and have started bear market which lasts already 6 months. But major fall happened at the beginning of year 2008. I run my screen for ETF to see the leaders and laggards on YTD basis. Her you have result. ...

There are 67 countries between the United States, Canada, EAFE, emerging market and frontier market countries. It may be helpful to you if you visualize the geographic relationship between those countries when you think about making country, region or development stage country investments.

The pie chart shows the relative market cap size of the US, Canada, the 21 EAFE (Europe, Australasia, Far East) countries, and the 25 emerging market countries. The stock market capitalization of the 19 frontier market countries is essentially negligible in comparison to the other market categories.

The map color codes the location of Canada, EAFE countries, and the emerging and frontier market countries. The US in not color coded.

It is interesting to note that the square area of the emerging markets is quite …