At Contrarian Profits we’re always on the lookout for hidden value opportunities. That’s why the following piece by Taipan Daily’s emerging markets expert Irwin Greenstein has got us really excited.

Irwin says the decision by China Investment Corp (CIC), the country’s $200-billion sovereign wealth fund (SWF) to allocate $250 million in emerging markets means Latin ETFs could receive a big boost.

Irwin says China needs to diversify out the diving dollar and gain greater control of energy reserves – and Latin America serves both purposes best…

Israel’s getting fidgety… it hasn’t bombed Iran since 1984. Speculation that they’re going to is pushing the oil price up and making oil and gold very attractive indeed…

Brazilian stocks as measured by the country’s Bovespa benchmark stock index has fallen 20% from its May 20 record, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to give up on Latin America’s largest economy. Brazil still has plenty to offer, and with stock valuations low, it’s a good time to go bargain hunting.

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Global investors seeking undervalued markets might want to look at Russia, China, India, Malaysia, South Korea or Brazil. And if they want to avoid overvalued markets, they’d be best to eschew Italy, the United States, Japan, Canada, Switzerland, or Germany.

In the most simplistic form, stock splits are the most bullish indicator you’ll find. In my entire investing career, I’ve never seen a weak (or bearish) stock execute a stock split.

Brazil is a lot like a person who gets a new job, pays off some of his debts, and has his credit score upgraded.

Remember last week when the director of the Brazil National Petroleum Agency Haroldo Lima told the world that the Carioca oil field, “Could be the world’s biggest oil discovery in thirty years?” Let’s unpack the word “could.” It “could” be the world’s biggest oil field that will never enter into production.

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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the world’s leading petroleum exporter. Officially, it has reserves of about 260 billion barrels of crude oil – approximately 24% of the world’s total proven petroleum reserves.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said a few months ago that if the United States invades Iran, we could expect to see oil at $200 a barrel. With oil already approaching the $120 mark, we may get there even without invading Iran.