Great moments in rebranding a category of nation-state

Posted by Rob Walker on September 26, 2008
Posted Under: World News

From The Economist:

The term “emerging markets” dates back to 1981, recalls the man who invented it, Antoine van Agtmael. He was trying to start a “Third-World Equity Fund” to invest in developing-country shares, but his efforts to attract money were being constantly rebuffed.

“Racking my brain, at last I came up with a term that sounded more positive and invigorating: emerging markets. ‘Third world’ suggested stagnation; ‘emerging markets’ suggested progress, uplift and dynamism.

Further diversion may be found at MKTG Tumblr, and the Consumed Facebook page.

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