FEM

Looking back, EM equities have as a whole been resilient, with the MSCI Emerging Markets Index marginally positive year to date-performing broadly in line with the S&P 500 and MSCI World indexes.On the economic front, EM activity has continued to rebound, albeit at varying speeds across countries.Meanwhile, EMs have shown a continued appetite for structural reforms that could lay the foundation for lasting economic recoveries.EM corporate resilience - especially in industries bolstered by the pandemic - is likely to anchor market sentiment.

The rebound in asset prices and the easing in global financial conditions have benefited not only advanced economies, but also emerging markets.Policy measures have allowed firms to cope with cash shortages experienced during economic shutdowns by taking on more debt.Looking ahead, policymakers should carefully sequence their response to build a safe bridge to recovery.

Emerging markets are in the process of economic healing despite the uneven impact of COVID-19.China, in particular, has been well positioned for economic recovery in the third quarter and continues to move full steam ahead with gains in investment, industrial production, and services activity.Investing in emerging markets is for the long haul.

Emerging markets have had different approaches to coping with COVID-19 and are at different stages of recovery.Our emerging markets equity team examines trends, news and data shaping emerging markets in the third quarter, and shares its latest outlook.The market had expectations for greater normality into the final quarter of 2020, but with rising COVID-19 cases in Europe and select countries globally, it is evident the virus will persist.

We see technology-related opportunities in China, Taiwan, and South Korea.We find many structural growth themes are flourishing in China.Our focus in emerging markets amid the downturn is on quality companies that are tied to structurally advantaged themes such as these - and also are attractively valued.

We provide a check in our 10 charts to watch in 2020: both keeping score and addressing the "Where to next?" question.Among the key takeaways, we see global growth rebounding into 2021, with emerging markets set to surprise.We see underappreciated and underpriced upside inflation risks (especially given our bullish base case for commodities).Constructive on global equities, but more so ex-US (also bearish US dollar), and more so in value versus growth.Chinese equities could end up an underdog outperformer.

Despite a growing economic and technological decoupling between China and the West, the financial divide is actually shrinking.China's bond market - now the second largest in the world - has seen increased foreign participation, especially in its government bond market, where foreign ownership now exceeds 9%, up from a negligible level just a few years ago.The unknowns of the post-COVID-19 landscape demand greater attention to portfolio construction, and investors may wish to consider alternative paths to a more efficient portfolio and a diversified stream of returns.

First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX ETF (FEM) declares $0.4512/share quarterly dividend, 131.3% increase from prior dividend of $0.1951.Forward yield 8.26%Payable Sept. 30; for shareholders of record Sept. 25; ex-div Sept.