China has established itself as an emerging market powerhouse in the last decade. It continues to post double-digit growth rates, even as the US and Europe slip into recession. But Irwin Greenstein says it could be about to hit a Great Wall. Conventional wisdom has it that China is relatively immune from a global slowdown because of its growing domestic market. The problem with this theory is that many Chinese consumers have lost their shirt on the tanking domestic stock market.

The biggest financial bailout in history hangs in the balance today as House Republicans and Democrats lock horns over the small print.

Keith Fitz-Gerald says the political posturing and wrangling over the plan distracts from the key financial issues. Can America afford a $700 billion rescue package?

Keith says investors need to understand three keys points. A bailout will cause national debt to climb, the US inflation rate to soar and the US dollar to tank. Bottom line: Investors need to go overseas for growth and profits in the foreseeable future.

The number of foreign-invested research and development centers in China has risen from about 700 in 2004 to more than 1,200 this year. This is a clear indicator that China is transforming from a low-cost manufacturer into a center of innovation, says emerging markets expert Irwin Greenstein. However, investors need to treat the country’s foreign direct investment numbers. Statistics for China do not meet international standards…

As Wall Street descends into chaos, many investors are happy to sit on the sidelines holding cash. But there are still profits to be made for big-picture investors.

Chris Mayer says the next “megatrend” will be a $41 trillion global infrastructure boom. Urbanization on a massive scale in China and India requires huge construction projects. And this will create huge demand for building materials (like cement and steel) and basic commodities (iron ore, copper and nickel).

Chris says power-grid builder ABB (NYSE:ABB) and road-building equipment maker Astec Industries (NASDAQ:ASTE) are stocks to watch…

Since 1998, the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets Index (NYSE:EEM) has gained 13.5% per annum or 9.5% annually adjusted for inflation. That’s the highest total return posted by any broad global index over the last decade. This one number flat-out confirms that major markets have lagged behind emerging markets.

The biggest rap about investing in emerging markets has been that they suffer from out-of-control inflation. The high prices of food and fuel undermined otherwise strong economic progress in emerging nations. On a conservative estimate, food-price rises may reduce the spending power of the urban poor and country people who buy their own food by 20%, according to the Economist.

Two coinciding events in the oil industry point investors to a little-known opportunity in Southeast Asia, says emerging markets expert Irwin Greenstein.

While the Georgian conflict grabbed the headlines, a related news piece out of London was all but buried. To see the entire opportunity, however, you really need to follow the bread crumbs, which lead you to Southeast Asia.

It’s all about logistics, says Irwin. In particular, the challenge now facing China of sourcing reliable supply of oil that doesn’t rely on pipeline transportation.

Crude oil futures have fallen below $125 a barrel in volatile trading this morning following a strengthening in the US dollar.

What are the factors leading to oil’s short-term drop? John McCain says we have George W. to thank. Justice Litle says this is nonsense. The fall of crude oil is more likely due to a number of factors coming together at once, says Justice. Like a new report from the US Geological Survey showing there could be 90 billion barrels of oil in the frozen arctic.

If oil continues to slide, keep an eye on Asian stocks and ETFs. They could be a major beneficiary…

US stocks haven’t exactly been putting in stellar performances lately. But that’s not the case for emerging market stocks. Taipan Emerging Markets blog editor Irwin Greenstien’s Emerging Market Index is up 9.3%. That’s after 5% gains last week…

Crude oil prices fell today as the greenback strengthened on Washington’s support for ailing mortgage firms Fannie Mae (FNM) and Freddie Mac (FRE).

Light sweet curde oil futures on the Nymex fell $1.19 dollars to $143.30 dollars a barrel. The contract is down from $147.27 dollars on Friday.

What if oil drops even further? Say back down to the $100 mark. Justice Litle says smart investors should condsider Asian stocks and Asian ETFs…