Australia Equity - What Is A Lower Dividend Yield Telling Us?
Australia has long been recognised for having the highest average dividend yield among global markets. However, this yield has been on a downward trend since 2022.
EWA: Growth Outlook Not Bright In Australia
iShares MSCI Australia ETF has underperformed, with a 0% price return over the past 3 years and a total return of only 15.7%. EWA's high exposure to the materials sector and low exposure to technology result in low-single digit earnings growth forecasts for the coming years. The fund's current forward P/E ratio of 17.5x is on the high end, making it expensive relative to its historical valuation range.
EWA: The Case For Australia Grows
iShares MSCI Australia ETF provides targeted exposure to the Australian equities market, with a focus on large- and mid-cap companies. The EWA fund's top holdings include BHP Group, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, CSL Ltd., National Australia Bank, and Westpac Banking Corporation. EWA offers a straightforward and low-cost way for investors to access the Australian equity market, but it has a significant concentration in the financial sector and may lack diversification benefits for those already exposed to the Asia-Pacific region.
EWA: Anemic Growth And Inflation Challenges Warrant Caution
EWA offers exposure to Australian large- and mid-caps, with a tilt toward financials and materials, resulting in a more comfortable P/E than that of the S&P 500. The issue is that Australia's economic growth is anemic, while inflation might require more action from the RBA. All these do not look bullish for stocks. EWA's past performance leaves a lot to be desired, with the 2010s and 2020s being especially challenging as it trailed SPY, delivering higher volatility.
