U.S. real estate seems to be in a perpetual climb, and as it rockets higher, ETF investors can look to other parts of the globe with funds like the FlexShares Global Quality Real Estate Index Fund (GQRE) . Per a Bloomberg report , “Blackstone Group Inc. President Jon Gray has some advice for investors looking to make sense of the wild real estate market in the U.S: Don’t fear a bust anytime soon.”
Toronto-headquartered Horizons ETFs has launched a new fixed income ETF in Canada which is the country’s first to target the global green bond market. The proceeds raised by green bonds are directed towards environmental initiatives.
Tactical factor exposure to developed markets outside of the United States can be had with the FlexShares Morningstar Developed Markets ex-US Factor Tilt Index Fund (TLTD) . TLTD seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Morningstar® Developed Markets ex-US Factor Tilt Index.
While investing in international equities comes with inherent risks, exchange traded fund (ETF) investors can sleep easier with the FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVD) . “Investing in low volatility international stocks is often used as a defensive strategy by investors who want to participate in some of the market’s growth while potentially reducing their downside risk,” a FlexShares Fund Focus article noted.
Inflation fears are not only spooking the equities markets, but the debt markets as well. In volatile times, it’s important to stress the importance of quality via funds like the FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund (IQDF) .
There’s a dividend resurgence brewing in 2021, but that trend isn’t confined to domestic stocks. After paring or suspending payouts following the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, plenty of international companies are looking to restore and grow their payouts.
Countries like Portugal were among the hardest hit during the pandemic, but as tourism starts to return, look for the Global X MSCI Portugal ETF (PGAL) to rebound. Portugal recently re-opened its border to non-essential travel, paving the way for more tourism.
Are you considering an international ETF for your portfolio? Indeed, 2019 turned out to be the second-best year on record for ETFs. In this period, exchange-traded funds inflows exceeded $326 billion. However, 2020 was a different year as the stock market started to experience challenges due to COVID-19.
It’s been a long time coming, but there’s finally some momentum for ex-U.S. developed markets, including the United Kingdom. Many of those markets offer upside potential and attractive valuations relative to U.S. equities, indicating the FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (NYSE: QLVD) is an interesting consideration over the medium-term.
Various forces could potentially shape the global markets this year and beyond, including Technology, China, Japan, and value. In T. Rowe Price’s article, Five Forces in International Equities Investors May Be Underestimating , author Justin Thomson, CIO Equity and Head of International Equities, explains how a range of market dynamics could have a long-term effect that may surprise investors.
We’ve written extensively about our growing optimism on international equities recently, and our enthusiasm hasn’t faded. We’re encouraged by economic data that continues to rebound, while the approval, acquisition and distribution of vaccines seem to be improving at the same time.
There are nascent signs a share buyback boom is underway in the United States. Europe is also trying to join the party, and that could benefit quality-focused assets like the WisdomTree Europe Quality Dividend Growth Fund (NYSEArca: EUDG) .
U.S. stock ETFs are roaring higher, but that’s not an invitation for investors to ignore international markets. Nor are those factors cause for clients to embrace excessive risk in international markets. Advisors can help them navigate those waters with the WisdomTree Developed International Multi-Factor Model Portfolio. “This model uses factor-tilted equity ETFs designed to provide improved risk factor diversification.
An investing spike in special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) is spilling over into high yield. One asset to consider is the actively managed Global X Emerging Markets Bond ETF (EMBD) . “The wave of cash raised by special-purpose acquisition companies is rolling into the junk debt market, aiding distressed companies and rewarding investors who own their bonds and loans,” a Wall Street Journal article said. “SPACs, also known as blank-check companies, have issued roughly $100 billion of stock this year, a record, to buy private companies and take them public.
