One way to evaluate currency ETFs is by their exposure to commodities. Under such a microscope, this group is acting quite differently.

A London Business School prof is saying that emerging markets' growth over the long term is actually half of developed markets. That really sounds fishy to me.

Although the U.S. dollar and Chinese yuan are positive this year, strong cases can be made for ETFs holding Australian and Canadian dollars. 

Three funds are outperforming the broader stock market. And these ETFs appear to have strong fundamentals as longer-term portfolio plays. 

Changing trends in currencies, agriculture and biotech demand more awareness of emerging asset classes and industries in building portfolios. 

Leveraged ETFs make sophisticated strategies seem easy. But take careful note of how they're really performing in today's volatile markets.

Here's a rundown of what these ETFs are designed to do—and what they're not. Hint: They're a very different sort of animal.