When it comes to broad international equities exposure, the sum of the parts is traditionally greater than the whole. Today, however, single-country exposure is also proving that individual parts can deliver a whole lot of performance.
iShares MSCI Peru ETF delivered the highest five-year total return among 41 country-specific ETFs, driven by copper and silver miners. South Korea (EWY) and Taiwan (EWT) outperformed the S&P 500 over five years, benefiting from AI and memory chip demand. International diversification is compelling, but expense ratios for iShares country ETFs range from 0.49% to 0.75% annually.
The iShares MSCI Peru and Global Exposure ETF covers 25 stocks, with only 66% of its holdings consisting of Peruvian pure-plays. EPU is heavily weighted toward cyclical sectors, especially materials (52%), and its top two holdings comprise 46% of the portfolio, amplifying concentration risk. EPU suits investors with aggressive risk appetites seeking to profit from a potential commodity supercycle or the growth of trade.
The iShares MSCI Peru and Global Exposure ETF offers concentrated exposure to Peru's commodity-driven equity market, dominated by basic materials and financials. EPU benefits from record copper and gold prices, domestic liquidity injections, and easing monetary policy but faces significant political and valuation risks ahead of the 2026 elections. Major mining projects and the Chancay Mega-Port enhance Peru's export competitiveness, yet EPU trades at a P/E of 17.25x, well above its historical average.
EPU: A Beneficiary Of Peru's Solid GDP Growth And High Commodity Prices
The iShares MSCI Peru ETF (EPU) has surged 69.1% YTD, earning a Strong Buy Quant Rating and ranking as the top single country ETF for 2025. EPU's outperformance is driven by strong returns from a concentrated set of holdings and sector exposure. The fund's narrow focus presents significant vulnerability and concentration risk for future performance.
Latin American equities have outperformed the U.S. market in 2025, and Peru is among those winners year-to-date. Peru's political instability and upcoming elections present significant risks, particularly when compared to other countries in the region. EPU's mining focus benefits from high commodity prices, but the lack of diversification will be a drag if metals prices slide.
Peru offers an attractive investment opportunity with low debt, low valuations, and strong economic growth, despite high risk. iShares MSCI Peru ETF focuses heavily on Basic Materials and Financials, making it a sector play with high volatility. Peru's healthy economy, low inflation, and strong GDP growth, coupled with rising copper demand, support EPU's potential.
Peru's economy, driven by the mining sector, offers good growth potential with a 7.5% CAGR in GDP from 2000-2023 and low inflation rates. Peru's exposure to the global copper market is very positive as EVs are widely adopted, and power grids are upgraded around the world. A significant proportion of EPU's holdings are represented by companies whose main operating market is not Peru.
Peru's stock market has outperformed regional peers, despite economic challenges, and equities remain reasonably valued. The economy is poised for substantial recovery in 2025, with recent GDP growth hitting its highest since Q1, 2022. Despite a 40% market run in the past year, future economic developments are not fully priced in, making it a good hold.
Peru offers macroeconomic stability with strong fundamentals and growth potential, supported by new mining projects and structural reforms. iShares MSCI Peru ETF provides targeted exposure to Peru's resource-driven growth, with top holdings in the financial and materials sectors. EPU outperformed competing ETFs this year, but its concentration in top holdings poses risks if commodity prices drop or Peru's economic situation worsens.
Investors seeking momentum may have iShares MSCI Peru and Global Exposure ETF EPU on radar now. The fund recently hit a new 52-week high.