Just a comment on 'BRIC' , Canada is so small in comparison, population wise and thus not considered in the same light as the other BRIC countries, however it certainly carries its weight resource-wise. Therefore I would argue that there is a missing or silent 'C', it should really be BRICC!!
Canadians are sitting very nicely and should benefit greatly in the coming 20-30 yrs...that is why I gave up on USA and have moved up. Long and strong commodities.