South Korea’s central bank decided to leave rates at 2 percent indicates that Asian policymakers remain uncertain about the strength and sustainability of the global economic recovery.

Nevertheless, Asia is the only economic block that has room to ease its monetary policies if the global economy worsens–yet another reason Asia is my preferred investment destination.

On numerous occasions, I’ve asserted that 2010 will be a decent year for the global economy, albeit not a spectacular one. Buying opportunities will present themselves to the patient investor this year, and Asian markets will move a step closer to decoupling from the West.

That being said, the markets remain uncertain and fairly directionless–in part because of fears about the economic crisis in Greece, a situation that some regard as a warning shot.

The recent melodrama in Europe has overshadowed worries about China’s efforts to slow its economy and diminish the probability of a bubble, especially in the housing sector.

Greece accounts for 0.6 percent of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP)–relatively insignificant in the grand scheme of things. And Greece’s national currency, the euro, is second to the US dollar in terms of importance; the currency is unlikely to be destroyed by market forces alone.

I’m not trying to minimize the crisis in Greece and the challenges it poses to Europe’s economic and financial integration; investors seeking long-term gains should look beyond the current smoke and catchy headlines.

A focus on the long haul also confirms that Asia boasts the best fundamentals and a Chinese economy that’s equipped lead the charge. I expect China to post solid economic growth in 2010, even though authorities have started to curb growth.

And developing Asian economies don’t have any pressing deficit issues. True, two of the developed economies in the region, Japan and Australia, face some potential problems; Japan’s public debt stands at 227 percent of GDP, while Australia external debt stands at 88 percent of GDP. Any complications in these two economies could harm the rest of Asia.

The only investable country Asia with a current account deficit is India, which shouldn’t be a problem given the huge amount of foreign direct investment pouring into the country. More worrisome is the Indian government’s debt-to-GDP ratio, which is around 75 percent of GDP. Although India will need addressed this issue at some point, much of this financing comes from domestic sources.

Europe’s credit troubles should have a minimal impact on Asia’s financial sector. But prolonged difficulties in Europe will weigh on Asia; Europe remains the biggest export market for Asian goods.

The recent market correction has brought Asian equities to attractive valuations; investors take advantage of this weakness to add to positions. For a guide to which markets offer the best upside and the stocks that will benefit, readers should follow the Fresh Money Buy list in the most recent issue of The Silk Road Investor.

All about ETFs

What happens when emerging markets collide with one of the investing world’s most exciting new security classes? Yiannis Mostrous and Benjamin Shepherd, editor of Louis Rukeyser’s Mutual Funds, will host a conference call an exclusive conference call briefing on March 17 at 1:00 pm EST to discuss the wide world of ETFs. Registration is limited, but questions aren’t. Learn the ins and outs of ETF investing and how to play key secular growth trends. Click here to sign up.

It’s Always Sunny in San Diego

Want to know more about how to profit from China and other emerging markets? Join Yiannis Mostrous in sunny San Diego, California, April 23-24 for the 2010 Wealth Society Member Summit. You’ll have a chance to sit down with Yiannis one-on-one to talk about where to find the best ideas to generate total returns and how to position your portfolio for the year ahead.

Join Yiannis and his colleagues GS Early, Elliott Gue, Roger Conrad, and Benjamin Shepherd at the historic Hotel del Coronado–one of the top 10 resorts in the world according to USA Today, one of the top 20 hotel/spas in the world according to Travel + Leisure, and the No. 2 place in the world to get married, according to the Travel Channel.

And on April 23-24, Coronado Island will also be the best place in the world for relaxation and profit. We’re expecting 72 degrees, sun and fun. You may find all details at www.InvestingSummit.com.

Call 1-800-832-2330 (between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 pm EST Monday through Friday) or go online now to reserve your seat at the table. Space is limited.