iShares International Dividend Growth ETF offers diversified exposure to 557 international stocks with at least five years of dividend growth. IGRO has low exposure to China-related geopolitical risk but is heavily weighted in financials (30.7%). The fund has underperformed the ex-U.S. equity benchmark IXUS since inception, and lagged it by 10.2% over the last 12 months.
IGRO hits a new 52-week high as strong global markets and rising demand for income-generating ETFs fuel momentum.
iShares International Dividend Growth ETF is rated a hold due to portfolio flaws and the availability of superior alternatives like LVHI. IGRO's backward-looking dividend growth strategy lacks quality screens, resulting in higher volatility, sector/geographic concentration, and underperformance versus LVHI. LVHI outperforms IGRO on risk-adjusted returns, yield, and liquidity, making it a more compelling choice for global ex-US dividend exposure.
| CXA Exchange | US Country |
The fund represented focuses on replicating the performance of a specific international equities index characterized by its constituents' consistent dividend growth. It meticulously selects its investments, aiming to represent the index's dividend dollars weighted performance. A significant commitment is seen in its strategy to allocate at least 80% of its assets towards the securities that comprise the index alongside investments that share similar economic characteristics. This approach underscores the fund’s dedication to closely mirroring the index’s performance while potentially offering investors the benefits of international dividend growth.