The iShares Latin America 40 ETF invests in large-cap companies, primarily in Brazil, Mexico, and Chile. The ETF's zero percentage allocation to the information technology sector makes it appealing for investors looking to hedge risks associated with AI valuations. ILF is overweight in cyclical sectors such as financials, materials, and energy, making returns more volatile and dependent on the economic cycle.
I recommend ILF for income-focused investors seeking emerging market exposure with a high and sustainable dividend yield and strong geographical diversification. ILF's portfolio is anchored in Brazil and Mexico, benefiting from financial innovation, commodity exports, and defensive sector allocations for stability. The fund's expense ratio is competitive, performance is driven by dividends, and valuation remains attractive for income rather than growth investors.
I am upgrading iShares Latin America 40 ETF to a buy, citing its strong YTD outperformance and improved momentum versus the S&P 500. ILF offers a compelling combination of low valuation (8.5x P/E), high 6.1% yield, and attractive PEG ratio, despite portfolio cyclicality risks. Technical analysis points to a bullish setup, with a breakout above $27 targeting $33, supported by double-bottom and RSI strength.
ILF offers exposure to Latin American markets, primarily Brazil and Mexico, but faces high volatility and political risks. The ETF has a high expense ratio of 0.48% and significant sector concentration, with financials dominating at 37.1%. Brazil's economic outlook is bearish due to potential interest rate hikes, while Mexico's situation is mixed with possible rate cuts halting.
ILF remains a hold due to compelling valuation but weak technicals, underperforming the S&P 500 despite favorable sector rebounds. The ETF targets large-cap Latin American stocks, focusing on growth and value, but assets have declined significantly since Q4 2023. ILF's portfolio now has more growth exposure with a low P/E ratio, but it needs bullish price action and sector support to upgrade.
Diversified funds are a good option for parking your savings and limiting risks compared to investing in single stocks. ILF focuses on Latin America and has exposure to sectors like mining, energy, and finance. It has low valuations compared to US stocks and offers a higher dividend yield compared to other funds like SPY.