International Equities Step Into the Spotlight in 2025
For over a decade, U.S. equities have dominated, but 2025 is shaping up to be a turning point. Several macro trends are converging to make international markets more attractive.
EFA: Best Start To A Year This Century, Reiterate Buy
EFA is off to its best start this century, with a 14% return YTD, despite global economic concerns and US stock struggles. The ETF remains inexpensive, offering exposure to 900+ developed market stocks, excluding the US and Canada, with a low 14x P/E ratio. EFA's diverse sector allocation and strong volume profile suggest bullish momentum, though technical indicators show mixed signals.
While U.S. Stock Market Hobbles, These International Markets Rally; Two Are Up 23%
Even Mexico and Canada, which were directly hit with U.S. tariffs, are outperforming Wall Street. The post While U.S. Stock Market Hobbles, These International Markets Rally; Two Are Up 23% appeared first on Investor's Business Daily.
EFA: A Diversified Play On Developed Markets With Trade-Offs
iShares MSCI EAFE ETF focuses on developed market equities with a 0.32% expense ratio, suitable for tactical allocation, not core holding. EFA's high exposure to cyclical sectors increases downside risk during economic downturns and limits upside potential due to low technology stock allocation. EFA has underperformed the S&P 500 due to limited tech exposure, with a 71.3% return over the past decade versus the S&P 500's 248.6%.
Is It Time To Buy Foreign Stocks? (Technical Analysis)
EFA and SPY are both in bullish conditions, trading above their upward-sloping 10-month EMAs and showing long-term uptrends. Despite EFA's positive performance, it has consistently underperformed SPY, both in September and over the past five years. Relative strength charts indicate EFA's underperformance; significant improvement is needed before considering a larger allocation to EFA.
529 Plans Passed a New Savings Milestone. Here's Why
Families are increasingly turning toward 529 plans to help their children build savings for their futures. These plans offer families with a means to cultivate tax-advantaged savings for their children.
ETF Securities Lending Activity Shines A Light On Market Dynamics
Central bank interest rate policy divergence has become a reality, there have been increased levels of geopolitical risk due to rising tensions in the Middle East and political change has swept across Europe. With the financial landscape changing at pace, many of the recent themes impacting markets have also been seen in ETF securities lending activity. As uncertainty grows across both the political and financial spectrums, interest in ETFs within the securities lending market is expected to grow further.
Innovator Rolls Out International Buffer ETF
Innovator has added an international buffer ETF to its range of funds. The Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF – August (IAUG) launched on the NYSE on August 1.
EFA: Cheaper Valuations And A Weaker Dollar May Help
iShares MSCI EAFE ETF tracks large- and mid-cap companies outside the US and Canada. EFA has underperformed the SPY in 2024 and over a three-year time frame. This has resulted in EFA trading at a higher earnings and dividend yield compared to SPY.
Innovator Adds 11th ‘Power Buffer' Developed Markets ETF
Today, Innovator rolled out the Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF – June (IJUN), the 11th fund from the issuer to track the price performance of the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) and offer 15% downside protection. Before expenses, the fund has an upside cap of 20.74%.
