Peso, ruble among top choices for investors

Russia's ruble carry trade could possibly return 26 per cent this year. Photo / Bloomberg

These are some clear favourites among investors for 2017. All things Russian and Indian are popular, as are Brazilian corporate bonds and Mexico's cheap peso.

The top calls for this year are centred on markets where the political climate is improving and assets are less vulnerable to external shocks arising from higher US borrowing costs and President-elect Donald Trump's policy announcements.

Russia

For investors who borrow in currencies with low interest rates and buy high-yielding ones, Russia's ruble is a top bet. UBS Group says the ruble's carry trade could potentially return 26 per cent in the next 12 months. Russia is also benefiting from rising oil prices. That helps make its equity market an "obvious candidate" for NN Investment Partners.

South Africa

Some investors see President Jacob Zuma's power waning, boosting the appeal of South African stocks and bonds, especially given that some say the country will probably avoid a debt downgrade.

Mexico

The currency is the most attractive among developing Latin American peers. Not only is the peso cheap, it will benefit from a hawkish Banxico and a US presidency that's less protectionist than expected, says Enrique Diaz-Alvarez, chief risk officer at Ebury Partners.

Brazil

Petrobras bonds are "still cheap," Banco do Brasil's Coco bonds have upside and Samarco is an aggressive bet as the company will likely resume operations this year and renegotiate its bonds, says Carlos Gribel, the head of fixed income at Andbanc Brokerage in Miami.

Chile

The nation's stocks will benefit from rising copper prices and the prospect of more business-friendly policies after 2017's presidential election, according to Morgan Stanley.

India

Given the possibility of a protectionist turn from the US under Donald Trump, the South Asian nation's assets are looking increasingly attractive. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's November decision to withdraw high-denomination bills may see a slowdown and prompt more interest-rate cuts, which will be good for bonds.