SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF both earn buy ratings for global diversification and value. SPDW offers marginally superior risk-adjusted performance and lower volatility due to its optimized sampling, excluding micro-caps and focusing on core developed nations. Both ETFs provide lower P/E ratios than US markets, strong exposure to Japan's corporate reforms, and sectoral positioning in industrials and tech hardware.
I maintain a buy rating on SPDW, citing its low valuation, strong momentum, and technical breakout above long-term resistance. SPDW is outperforming the S&P 500 YTD, with attractive Sharpe ratios and a 2.88% yield, boosted by a weak dollar tailwind. The ETF offers broad exposure to developed markets, low expenses, high liquidity, and a favorable risk profile compared to US equities.
The SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF invests in non-US stocks, primarily in Japan, the United Kingdom, and Canada. SPDW's portfolio is more attractively valued relative to the S&P 500, partially driven by an overweight position in Financial stocks. The unraveling of the carry trade strategy highlights the appeal of non-US stocks for US investors.
The SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF tracks international equities primarily in Japan, the UK, Canada, France, and Switzerland. The ETF's holdings are well diversified and do not come with the concentration risks stalking the S&P 500. SPDW is overweight cyclical sectors such as financials, industrials, and materials. The ETF is underweight information technology and communication services.
SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF has a low expense ratio of 0.03% and an accelerating earnings growth rate through 2025. SPDW's fund price has almost recovered from the pandemic peak. The fund's valuation is fair, and with the Federal Reserve likely to begin a rate cut cycle, there is potential for SPDW to move higher.