In Brief

  • VIVA LA BOLSA A new President in Peru and a debt deal in Argentina last week helped volatile Latin American funds rise 2.4%. But the broader story is in Mexico, which with Brazil makes up 90% or so of the region's portfolio. Brazil's stock index is down 14% since January, but as an Evergreen manager says, "Mexico is on a tear." Its export gains and slower but solid growth will drive this fidgety sector through expected summer doldrums.

    BUYERS BEWARE Home buyers rely on appraisers to give fair estimates of property values. Some lenders do more than rely on them: they lean on them to inflate values so appraisals do not lower the property value after the loan size is determined. The higher value may come at the expense of buyers, who can end up borrowing and paying more than they should, appraisers say. Industry groups have spoken up, hoping to end the practice via discussion and awareness.

    CHURCH INC. Faith plays a huge role in investing: "You gotta believe" in your stocks. But what of religious faith? Roman Catholics can now invest behind their beliefs by following the Carlisle Catholic Indexes, which since Jan. 1 have tracked companies that are in line with church mores on tobacco, lending, warfare and sex. Workplace discrimination and environment, though not the Catholics' touchiest issues, were generally why companies were excluded.