Canadian equities have underperformed US stocks in 2024, and I expect that to continue. The theme for 2024 has been AI - and EWC is an ETF that is not well positioned to capitalize on that theme. The Bank of Canada has begun cutting interest rates. This is a significant headwind for the fund's largest sector, which is Financials.
The iShares MSCI Canada ETF EWC is a financials and energy heavy ETF, trading at attractive valuations compared to broader US markets. EWC has underperformed its peer group of Canada-focused ETFs and has experienced a recent period of outflows. Divergent monetary policy in Canada and the US could have mixed results for EWC's near-term performance.