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.
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The fund is designed to offer investors exposure to a specific portion of the market, which consists predominantly of companies within the financials and materials industries or sectors. This focus is particularly on businesses that have a significant economic connection to Peru, including but not limited to, companies that are organized, listed, or maintain a substantial part of their operations in developed countries outside of Peru. It adheres to a strategy of investing at least 80% of its assets in securities that are part of its target index or those with economic characteristics nearly identical to the index components. Although the fund aims to mirror the performance of its index closely, it is categorized as non-diversified. This means it may invest more heavily in a smaller number of securities or sectors, potentially increasing the fund's risk compared to diversified funds.
The fund commits a significant part of its assets, at least 80%, to the securities that form the index it tracks. This strategy is designed to mimic the performance of the index, thereby aligning the fund's returns with the broader market movements of its focus area.
In addition to direct investments in the index components, the fund also seeks opportunities in investments that offer substantially the same economic characteristics as those in the index. These can include derivatives or other financial instruments that mimic the performance of the index components.
A significant portion of the index, and thus the fund's investments, is constituted by companies operating within the financials and materials sectors. This focus is reflective of the fund's strategy to tap into the potentially lucrative returns these industries offer, especially in relation to Peru's economic landscape.
This fund is distinctive in its strategy to invest in companies with a substantial economic exposure to Peru. It not only includes Peruvian companies but also those situated or listed in developed countries with significant operations or business interests in Peru. This approach allows for a more diversified geographical exposure within the targeted industries.
As a non-diversified fund, it invests more heavily in a smaller number of securities or sectors compared to diversified funds. This concentration can lead to increased volatility or risk; however, it also offers the potential for higher returns, making it an attractive option for certain investors willing to accept higher levels of risk.