Yiannis G. Mostrous

With his experience in  international market analysis and venture financing, Yiannis G. Mostrous is  more than just a world traveler; he’s also an expert on identifying investment opportunities in emerging and overlooked markets—the places most of us only see on television.

As an analyst with Artemel International, Yiannis worked with developmental  institutions to promote business development in the Mediterranean, while as an associate in the venture capital Finance & Investment Associates was  involved in analyzing start up companies’ business plans evaluating their  potential while bringing together worthy candidates and angel investor groups.

He also worked as a consultant for brokers in Intersec Securities, a brokerage firm in Athens, Greece, where he did primary research and solicited business from high net worth clients. More recently, Yiannis coauthored a book on investment opportunities in Asia, The Silk Road to Riches: How You Can Profit by Investing in Asia’s Newfound Prosperity.

Since joining KCI, Yiannis has dedicated himself to helping  individual investors bolster their returns and give their portfolios an international flavor. In his financial advisory The Silk Road Investor, Yiannis explains the most profitable facets of emerging global economies such as China and India. With Stocks on the Run, Yiannis teams up with fellow KCI editor Elliott Gue, seeking out opportunities for triple-digit gains in 3-9 months.
 
Yiannis has an MBA from Marymount University with a major in Finance and a BBA from Radford University focusing on investments in natural resource markets around the globe. He is also a veteran of the Hellenic Navy in the Landing Ships Command Office.

Content Posted by Yiannis G. Mostrous

Chinese Real Estate: How to Enjoy the Year-End Rally

Chinese real estate will be among the top winners once the market realizes that authorities won’t kill the Middle Kingdom’s housing boom and that the global economy is healthier than most believe.

China's Economy: Buy Now for Long-Term Outperformance

China’s economy has slowed, by design, according to Premier Wen Jiabao. Out-of-favor Europe is also home to opportunity.

Profit from International Banking

Although most Western banks have stagnated in the wake of the credit crisis, banks in developing markets are well capitalized and eager to take advantage in the wake of the financial crisis.

Enjoy the Summer: Stocks Will Rally into Year's End

China isn't going to dump its Treasury holdings, now or anytime soon. The Middle Kingdom's health is tied to the well-being of the US.

Deflation Fears

The world’s developed economies are staring down an enemy identified here long ago. We’ve also identified the best ways for investors to protect their portfolios from this outcome.

China Revalues Its Currency

The move generated a bevy of headlines, but the renminbi’s revaluation is essentially a side-show. But it’s not in US politicians’ interest to tell the truth about long-term global economic trends.

No Double Dip

The biggest fear investors have regarding the direction of the market, is the potential of a double-dip style recession in the US and the global economy. This is a fashionable view to hold these days, and can also be supported by parts of the economic data.

Emerging Economies: Still Gaining Ground

There's a fundamental shift in economic growth leadership in the world economy. This shift is from the West to the East, and although the process will not be a smooth one, it's irreversible. Consequently, the new, rising economic powers will challenge US supremacy, and although the US (and Europe) will remain a very important player in the global economic stage, it will gradually lose its status as an economic hegemon.

China Still Holds All Cards

All that was needed was a false rumor to be spread by the Financial Times yesterday, to send the market down with a vengeance. The rumor had to do with the favorite past time of the British financial press, bashing the Eurozone.

Fear Rules Markets

Fear not, the global market selloff is a correction in the context of a cyclical bull market.

Stay Long and Hedged

In the long term, the European Union’s latest emergency package will be a significant turn in the future of Europe’s further economic and political integration.

Is the Rally Over?

The Asian markets peaked on 15 April and since then they're down around 6 percent. There are a lot of reasons for this, the most important of which is profit taking.

The Renmimbi (and China) Get Some Respect

The gradual approach toward an RMB revaluation isn't surprising; this is standard Chinese operating procedure for everything that effects the economy. But it makes sense from a practical point of view too. For starters, it even the beginnings of a revaluation will be enough to deter the US from imposing import tariffs. A relative small appreciation will also allow more room for inflation control.

Chinese Oil Acquisitions

ConocoPhilips’ (NYSE: COP) announcement that it’s agreed to sell its 9.03 percent stake in the Syncrude oil sands project is intriguing for several reasons. Primarily, the deal is a reminder of the long-term strategic value of Canada’s oil sands. But the key point for income investors is that one of the affected parties is now in better position to sustain--even grow--its distribution.

BRIC Nations Flex Muscles At Summit

Here is a brief look at each of the BRIC nations, and where they are today. In my paid product Silk Road Investor I drill deeper into each of the countries and regions to bring you the BRIC stocks that are profiting from all the global and economic attention.

Gold: The Ultimate Hedge against Inflation

Gold performs the best during times of currency debasement. This is a real concern today, as governments around the world continue to spend a lot of money and print more in an effort to avoid deflation.

Protectionism and China's Currency Conundrum

Paul Krugman and Western politicians continue to raise hackles about China's currency valuation, but don't expect  the Middle Kingdom to bow to the pressure.

India's Central Bank Hikes Interest Rates

Although the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised the reverse repo and repo rates by 25 basis points, India remains one of my favorite emerging markets.

The Big Boys Are Back in Town

Recovering developed economies are the key to global economic growth this year.

China: Outlook 2010

China's economy should be able to grow by 8 to 9 percent this year, especially if developed economies have a decent year.

Building Wealth

Although infrastructure was the primary focus of China’s recent stimulus efforts, that bump in spending represents a drop in the bucket over the long haul. The continued migration from rural to urban areas will necessitate massive infrastructure spending over the next two decades.

The Wall of Worry

The recent market correction has brought Asian equities to attractive valuations; investors take advantage of this weakness to add to positions.

What to Buy with ETFs

The development of the ETF market benefits individual investors because these funds carry lower price tags and allow greater flexibility. The question is which ETFs should you buy?

2010: The Year for Natural Gas

Although renewable energies have a certain cachet as high-tech solutions to the world's energy problems, they're also impractical in the near term. That augurs well for natural gas.

Don't Scorn the Dollar--Redux

For now, investors should regard the US dollar’s strength as a counter-rally in a well-established downtrend.

Google This

While people worry about Google (NSDQ: GOOG) and investing in China, the country’s trade growth increased in December to 17.7 percent year over year, easily surpassing consensus estimate of 5 percent.

The Year of the Tiger

I expect global markets to start 2010 on a positive note and generate strong returns in the first quarter. Asia will be the key performer again--not only in terms of stock market strength but also economic resiliency.

Don't Worry about Inflation in China

I expect that inflation in China will remain comfortably below 3 percent next year. The reason being that the Chinese government also controls the main levers of the Chinese economy, especially bank lending.

China: Steady as She Goes

I continue to be bullish on names that will benefit from an uptick in private consumption and industries that will be supported by elevated liquidity levels.

Checking in with Indonesia

As I expect global markets to close out 2009 with a strong finish and begin 2010 with positive momentum, I continue to recommend that investors maintain or add to their exposure to Asian equities. Indonesia is one of my favorite markets in the region.

Buy the Dips, But Be Cautious

When it comes to Asian equities, the current weakness offers the opportunity to buy selectively, especially if the correction persists into this week. Remember that most selling stems from technical weakness; the region’s fundamentals remain solid.

Oil's Rally Is for Real

As I remain bullish on oil’s long-term prospects, this week’s installment of Emerging Market Speculator features energy expert Elliott H. Gue’s take on key developments in the global oil market. Mr. Gue is the editor of The Energy Strategist and MLP Profits.

Don't Scorn the Dollar

For now central banks will continue their accommodative monetary policies, as they know that the recovery is fragile and sentiment is not at its best. It would be be premature to shift your whole portfolio to defensive sectors, as these should underperform if markets close the year higher.

Stay Positive and Hedged

Cyclical names should continue to do well, especially in Asia, but investors should consider some defensive plays--I favor consumer staples names with exposure to Asia.

ISM is the Key

The point to understand here is that the year-long rally in emerging markets isn’t based on the conviction that the global economy is completely out of the woods and that the Anglo-Saxon financial system has resolved all its problems.

The 8.9 Percent Solution

If markets have no major hiccups for the rest of October and into early November, expect them to move higher through the first few months of 2010, with November, December and January being the “money months.”

China Chatter

At home it was a "golden week" for China's economy; abroad the Chinese lobbied for a greater say in policy decisions that shape the international economy.

Heading Higher

At current levels, energy, telecommunications, financial, industrial, and material companies appear to be the cheapest in Asia.

The End of Easy (and Cheap) Oil

The end of easy oil remains arguably the most powerful driver in the sector, though the unprecedented drop-off in demand that occurred in the wake of the credit crisis and resultant economic dislocation has obscured this long-term trend. But with the global economy and credit markets now on the mend, this theme should come back with a vengeance over the next few quarters.

The Long and Short of It

The rally in emerging market equities has been broad based, though the Chinese market has led the way. But next year country and stock selection will become increasingly important to the asset allocation process. Expect “sustainable growth” to become next year’s buzz phrase.

A Stronger Global Economy

I continue to recommend that investors focus on quality and overweight key cyclical industries. Technology resources, energy and some infrastructure (e.g., ports) remain relatively undervalued in many emerging markets, while valuations in Russia and some other high beta markets remain below previous highs.

Where Have All the Bullish Investors Gone?

The table is set for the US economy to surprise on the upside for the simple reason that expectations are so low. Should this transpire, global markets should easily rise 20 to 30 percent in the next twelve months--even if a correction takes place in the meantime

Beyond China

Chinese policymakers are focused on managing the current boom and, more important, the credit cycle. For this reason, investors should look outside China for the big outperformance--assuming the global economy doesn’t relapse.

Rocking the Vote and the Boat

If the Democratic Party of Japan wins this weekend's lower house election, the country's economic policies could shift. Here's how to play the change.

Oil Is the Key

Oil prices serve as a barometer of economic growth because increased consumption in emerging markets goes hand in hand with economic expansion. It’s essential that global investors understand oil price movements.

Lucky 21

Central banks have done a good job saving the global economy from a total meltdown, but there are limits to what they can do--monetary policy can only affect the real economy up to a point. Stay alert and protect your profits.

August Pause

August may bring a bit of a pause to Asian markets. But Asia is still the place to be: Not only has the region's growth surprised on the upside, but increasing domestic demand suggests that its economies are better equipped to generate future growth.

The Big Money

China and India remain hedge-fund favorites and are a hit with institutional investors that take a long view. I continue to believe that the next investment bubble will form in these markets.

The Big Money

China and India remain hedge-fund favorites and are a hit with institutional investors that take a long view. I continue to believe that the next investment bubble will form in these markets. But that's a story for the next decade.

Portfolio Update: Into Africa

Earnings season is here. In this week's issue I provide a synopsis of the latest newsflow related to our Portfolio holdings and spotlight a Chinese oil and gas producer that continues to build its reserves through acquisitions.

Tactically Strong

Global markets are speeding away from lows established earlier in the month, and there's no more talk of a breaks below serious support levels. Everyone is debating the resistance levels where the rally is supposed to stop--at least for now.

Gloom, Doom and Gold

As long as economic and financial risks prevail, gold prices will be well supported.

China's V-Shaped Recovery

Investors should seek exposure to the Chinese economy, which has shown the first signs of decoupling from the fate of the developed world and remainds one of the best places to invest in both bad and good economic times.

China's V-Shaped Recovery

Investors should seek exposure to the Chinese economy, which has shown the first signs of decoupling from the fate of the developed world and remainds one of the best places to invest in both bad and good economic times.

Indonesian Exposure

Exit polls indicate that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono secured enough votes to win a second term in Indonesia. I examine the challenges Yudhoyono faces in his second term as well as the Indonesian economy's long-term growth prospects.

Indonesian Exposure

Exit polls indicate that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono secured enough votes to win a second term in Indonesia. I examine the challenges Yudhoyono faces in his second term as well as the Indonesian economy's long-term growth prospects.

Asian Consumption

Asia’s long-term investing story is all about domestic consumption. Position your portfolio now.

India Revisited

Although India has never exhibited the same growth characteristics as the rest of Asia and can't match China's reported growth rates, it has largely avoided the boom-and-bust cycles that afflict the region's developing economies. And despite all the negative economic news this year, in the first quarter Indian real GDP increased 5.8 percent from a year ago, an impressive result that suggests the economy remains on sound footing.

Theme of the Month: Outperforming the Market

With the first half of the year in the can, I review the performance of recommendations in the Silk Road Investor and discuss our near-term tactics going forward. Once again, the Portfolio outperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500 and the MSCI World Index.

Iron Fist

Expect a near-term pullback in resource stocks. I examine key developments in the iron ore industry and what the implications are for our portfolio holdings.

Cutting Beta

For long-term investors, China continues to offer attractive long-term growth prospects and investors should view any pullback in Chinese equities as a buying opportunity. China's ports are poised for a turnaround; I discuss one of my favorites and examine its growth potential.

Cutting Beta

For long-term investors, China continues to offer attractive long-term growth prospects and investors should view any pullback in Chinese equities as a buying opportunity. China's ports are poised for a turnaround; I discuss one of my favorites and examine its growth potential.

Going Nuclear

Nuclear power generation will play a vital role in meeting rising global demand. That nuclear power is a carbon-free source is only one factor in its rising profile; the operating economics are also highly competitive. Total global generation from nuclear sources is projected to grow close to 40 percent by 2030, with developing world countries such as China and India driving much of that growth.

Going Nuclear

Nuclear power generation will play a vital role in meeting rising global demand. That nuclear power is a carbon-free source is only one factor in its rising profile; the operating economics are also highly competitive. Total global generation from nuclear sources is projected to grow close to 40 percent by 2030, with developing world countries such as China and India driving much of that growth.

Portfolio Update: China's Ports

Chinese ports should benefit from the country's economic growth. I also analyze recent news related to my coverage universe and how these developments impact my investment thesis.

Thoroughbreds

Unless an economic disaster takes place between now and the end of the year, China will deliver growth closer to 8 than 7 percent, and India should be able to register something close to 6 percent.

Thoroughbreds

Unless an economic disaster takes place between now and the end of the year, China will deliver growth closer to 8 than 7 percent, and India should be able to register something close to 6 percent.

The End of the US Recession

The US recession, the deepest since WWII, should end at some point this summer. From our current vantage point, it appears that the prospects for global growth aren't as dour as many analysts predicted at the beginning of the year. And some countries, notably India, are poised to generate much of that growth over the next few years.

The End of the US Recession

The US recession, the deepest since WWII, should end at some point this summer. From our current vantage point, it appears that the prospects for global growth aren't as dour as many analysts predicted at the beginning of the year.

Singh Rules in India

India’s economy is on solid footing. And following the pro-reform Congress Party’s resounding electoral win, strong growth is on the horizon.

Theme of the Month: India Revisited

For the past seven years India has been one of the most exciting stories among emerging markets in general and Asia in particular. Although India has never exhibited the same growth characteristics as the rest of Asia and can't match China's reported growth rates, it has largely avoided the boom-and-bust cycles that afflict the region's developing economies. And despite all the negative economic news this year, in the first quarter Indian real GDP increased 5.8 percent from a year ago, an impressive result that suggests the economy remains on sound footing.

China Won't Save the World

China was never expected to be instrumental in helping economies avoid recession, contrary to an idea floated by people not well informed regarding the Chinese economy. What China could contemplate--and is in fact now doing--was to make sure its own economy would do well while contributing as much as possible to the avoidance of a total collapse of the financial system and the world economy.

China Won't Save the World

China was never expected to be instrumental in helping economies avoid recession, contrary to an idea floated by people not well informed regarding the Chinese economy. What China could contemplate--and is in fact now doing--was to make sure its own economy would do well while contributing as much as possible to the avoidance of a total collapse of the financial system and the world economy.

Cautious Euphoria

The main drivers of the most recent gains have been the increase in liquidity and the fact that many money managers are trying to boost their quarterly performance numbers. A lot of money is being poured into the emerging space--emerging market funds have received USD20 billion in the past two months--with Asia a prime destination.

Cautious Euphoria

Asian markets could easily rise another 10 to 15 percent from current levels by year’s end. The expectations for global economic recovery and the inflationary efforts by monetary authorities around the world support the investment case for the region.

Auspicious Straits

Taiwan and the Mainland have now made significant progress toward their mutual goal of deepening economic and political ties. A comprehensive understanding between Taiwan and the Mainland means more foreign direct investment will flow from China to the island, along the same lines as Hong Kong 20 years ago.

Japan Is Rising

For the past 10 years investors have been referring to Japan as an example of an economy mired in deflation and for its inability to normalize. Save for a short period triggered by a strong rally in the second half of 2005 that piqued investor interest early in 2006, there’s been little interest in Japanese stocks during this period. And such is the case today. I’m still positive on the long-term potential of the Japanese story, especially given the negative sentiment surrounding its economy and stock market.

Portfolio Update: Take Profits

If you have solid gains in any of my recommendations, book them now. That is, take the profit off the table and let your initial investment ride. The recent rally has been substantial--cash in some chips if you’ve been on the right side of the trend.

No Doubt About China

It seems that almost everyone now accepts that the Chinese stimulus package is big enough and sufficiently spread around the economy to cushion the downturn and to make up for the demise of exports.

No Doubt About China

It seems that almost everyone now accepts that the Chinese stimulus package is big enough and sufficiently spread around the economy to cushion the downturn and to make up for the demise of exports.

Theme of the Month: Japan Is Rising

The Japanese market today is reminiscent of the US in the early 1980s, when the last bull market in US stocks commenced. At the time, US valuations were extremely low, and investor sentiment was not only negative toward US stocks but also negative toward equities in general.

Antidote for Economic Malaise

Growth Portfolio holding Baxter International (NYSE: BAX) is emerging as one of the most stable and growth-oriented major pharmaceutical companies.

Go Long in May

For now, the trend remains upward, and global markets should remain stronger for longer, led by China, Taiwan, Russia and India, the best markets for new investors.

Go Long in May

For now, the trend remains upward, and global markets should remain stronger for longer, led by China, Taiwan, Russia and India, the best markets for new investors.

One China

As Taiwan and the Mainland continue to normalize their relationship, more investment capital will find its way to Taipei, boosting the domestic economy and putting Taiwan back at the forefront of global economic growth.

One China

As Taiwan and the Mainland continue to normalize their relationship, more investment capital will find its way to Taipei, boosting the domestic economy and putting Taiwan back at the forefront of global economic growth.

Portfolio Update: Strength in Numbers

The onset of first quarter earnings season provides an opportunity to review the Silk Portfolio on a company-by-company basis. This reporting period is of particular importance given what’s happened in the global economy and the financial markets since September 2008. The good news: Emerging-market names are posting solid numbers, providing more fuel for continuing equity market outperformance.

Teamwork

Last week reality finally took hold. The US Treasury “declined to cite Beijing” as a currency manipulator, and senior Treasury officials noted, “The Chinese have shown great commitment to playing a stabilizing role in the system.”

Teamwork

The current economic crisis has proven that there’s more to be gained when the main economies around the world coordinate their actions rather than attempt to dictate terms.

China Holds the Key

The global economy’s performance is a Chinese affair this year and will remain so for the foreseeable future. Buying the right stocks early is the key to long-term profits.

Under Pressure

Taxpayers will eventually rebel against the idea that their money is being spent without getting anything in return. For now, fixing the problems seems to be the sole responsibility of the average taxpayer, while financiers and politicians are bickering about bonuses from money that belongs to neither of the two factions. Playwright Eugene Ionesco would be proud.

Emerging Markets Rally Is Intact

China is on track to deliver 7 to 8 percent GDP growth this year. First quarter growth of 6.1 percent is a good enough base to support such an outcome. As I’ve noted repeatedly, anything above 6 percent should be viewed as a significant positive, particularly in light of the fact that China’s stimulus package will have greater impact later in the year. It’s likely that the first quarter will prove to be the bottom of this cycle.

Emerging Markets Rally Is Intact

China is on track to deliver 7 to 8 percent GDP growth this year. First quarter growth of 6.1 percent is a good enough base to support such an outcome. As I’ve noted repeatedly, anything above 6 percent should be viewed as a significant positive, particularly in light of the fact that China’s stimulus package will have greater impact later in the year. It’s likely that the first quarter will prove to be the bottom of this cycle.

The Silk Road to Outperformance

The Portfolio remains in positive territory since 15 February 2006. Although last year’s brutal selloff caused some damage, the Portfolio has performed markedly better than the Morgan Stanley Capital International All-Country World Index (MSCI World Index) and the S&P 500 over the same timeframe.

Theme of the Month: Hong Kong Real Estate

Emerging markets haven’t retested their late-2008 lows; they’ve formed a technical trend known as “establishing higher lows,” which is a sign of strength. Even if we accept the consensus opinion that we’re experiencing a bear market rally, higher lows mean the emerging markets are the current rally’s top performers.

Can You Say 'Renminbi'?

Last summer Asian central bank executives met in China to discuss the developing financial crisis. During the conference, staffers developed a currency swap model among central banks, which made the renminbi the de facto preferred currency for trade among these countries.

Can You Say 'Renminbi'?

Last summer Asian central bank executives met in China to discuss the developing financial crisis. During the conference, staffers developed a currency swap model among central banks, which made the renminbi the de facto preferred currency for trade among these countries.

Powering the Globe

Growing use of electricity has been a fact of life for more than a century and will be for decades more. These companies are tapped into the greatest growth.

Earnings

Fourth quarter and full year 2008 earnings season has been eventful, as investors have had to assess numbers in the context of a weak global economy. The key question is whether companies have the strength to withstand the slowdown. Today I take a look at more earnings announcements from Silk Portfolio companies.

Bull or Bear?

Recent market strength is welcome relief for investors, a serious respite from the brutal selloffs we’ve experienced during this downturn. The internal debate for many investors concerns whether this is the beginning of a new bull or simply another bear market rally. The short answer: I don’t know, nor does anyone else.

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