MSCI Emerging Markets Index

See: MSCI.

If you like safe and predictable, developed nations are for you. This category includes places like the U.S. or Great Britain or Western Europe...places where you can count on your WiFi service, where you don't suffer regular blackouts, and where you can get food delivery any time of the day or night.

However, if you're looking for something a little more wild, emerging markets might rev your engine. Services and utilities might be a little spotty, but there's a lot of potential. Just check with your doctor before you drink the water or eat any street food.

In terms of finance, developed markets have limited growth potential, maybe 2%-3% GDP growth in a good year. But you aren't going to suffer dramatic declines either. No coups. No revolutions. Like we said, steady and predictable.

Emerging markets are less stable. However, they present much more growth potential. These markets might see double-digit GDP growth in a year. Of course, they might experience a double-digit decline as well. A risk vs. reward kind of decision.

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index allows you to dip your toe in the emerging-market pool, without taking the risk that the country you pick will suffer a military takeover the day after your investment check clears. The index tracks stocks hailing from two dozen of these wilder countries...exposure to the emerging markets, but with some diversification.

The index, managed by MSCI, includes stocks from countries like China, Korea, Taiwan, India, Brazil, South Africa, Russia, Mexico, and Thailand (those countries make up nearly 90% of the index's components, though there are some smaller nations represented as well).