The popularity of so-called emerging market investments has been put down to savers prepared to take greater risks in the belief that stock markets will boom once again, the Daily Mail reports.

Bric funds – named after the initials of the countries they invest in: Brazil, Russia, India and China – aim to take advantage of the potential for rapid expansion.

By 2020 it is anticipated these countries will account for half of the world’s growth. But with speed comes danger: you could lose as well as gain.

Ben Yearsley, at Charles Stanley broker, says: “Your money is usually exposed to political and economic upheaval, which can wreck returns in a flash. As a rule, you’re betting on the hope of a swelling middle-class ready to spend in these countries – not a sure bet in such austere times.”

As Bric countries continue to catch up with the established economies of the U.S., Britain and Japan, expect a very bumpy ride. If the risk pays off, rewards can be great.

For every £1,000 invested last May in Aberdeen Global Emerging Markets Smaller Companies fund, you’d now have £1,308, figures from Trustnet analyst show.

But for every big return, you can lose on others. IM Hexam’s Global Emerging Markets fund is down 2 per cent since May 2012 – losing £20 for every £1,000.