The iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF faces macroeconomic headwinds due to global trade tensions and deflationary risks, especially in China. IXUS's heavy exposure to export-led economies and cyclical sectors increases vulnerability to tariffs, protectionism, and weakening global demand. Tariffs should be dealing a delayed blow. It's just bad to remove a group of people from the viable market for often quite commodified products. Ex-US has clear risks.
I maintain a buy rating on IXUS, driven by strong year-to-date momentum and attractive valuations versus the S&P 500. IXUS offers broad international diversification, low expenses, a higher yield, and a favorable PEG ratio, making it a compelling core holding. Technical analysis confirms a long-term breakout with bullish momentum, though some resistance and seasonal caution are warranted.
The iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF invests in both developed and emerging markets outside the United States. The ETF has had a strong start to 2025, benefitting from attractive valuations and a weak US dollar. Recent IXUS dividend growth has been particularly strong, at 8.43%, but I only expect dividends to increase by 6% in the long term.
| XSGO Exchange | US Country |
The company operates in the financial sector, specializing in investment services. It has carved out a niche for itself by focusing on providing investors with access to a broad range of equity markets outside of the United States. To achieve its investment goals, the firm commits at least 80% of its assets to securities that are included in its underlying index, as well as to other investments that share similar economic characteristics to those securities. The underlying index of the fund is designed as a free float-adjusted market capitalization index. This design is intended to facilitate the measurement of equity market performance across both developed and emerging markets, with the notable exclusion of the United States. Through this approach, the company aims to offer diversified investment opportunities that enable investors to benefit from global market dynamics.
This core product focuses on investing in a diverse array of stocks from developed and emerging markets, excluding the U.S. The fund targets equities that are part of its underlying index, ensuring that investments are aligned with global market performance. Through strategic asset allocation, the fund seeks to achieve long-term capital growth by tapping into the economic strengths of various countries around the world.
As an integral part of its service, the company employs a strategy that involves tracking a market capitalization index that is adjusted for free float, thereby ensuring a more accurate representation of the market. This methodology allows for an investment approach that is reflective of the overall equity performance in both developed and emerging markets. By excluding the U.S. market, the firm provides a unique opportunity for investors to diversify their portfolios through exposure to international markets.