What are ETFs and how do they work?

ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) are investment funds that trade on stock exchanges like regular stocks. They typically hold a collection of assets—like stocks from a specific country or region—giving you instant diversification with a single purchase. The ETFs in this collection focus on different international markets, allowing you to invest globally without having to buy individual foreign stocks.

How can international investments help protect my portfolio?

International investments can provide diversification because different countries' economies often move on their own cycles, separate from the US. When US markets experience volatility—for instance, due to policy changes—other markets may be stable or even growing. By spreading your investments globally, you're not putting "all your eggs in one basket," which can help reduce overall portfolio risk and smooth out your returns over time.

What do the country codes in the ticker symbols mean?

The ticker symbols for many international ETFs include country codes that tell you which market they focus on. For example, EWG targets Germany (Germany's country code is DE or GER), EWU focuses on the United Kingdom (UK), FXI invests in China (CN), and EWS covers Singapore (SG). These codes make it easier to identify which international market you're gaining exposure to when you invest.

How might Trump's policies affect international markets?

Trump’s "America First" policies, including potential tariffs and trade restrictions, may create both challenges and opportunities for international markets. While some trade-dependent economies might face headwinds, others may benefit as countries develop strategies to become less dependent on the US. These policies could also accelerate the trend of countries strengthening their domestic economies and forming new trade partnerships, potentially benefiting the markets represented in this collection.

10 handpicked stocks

Go Global

As investors seek alternatives to US assets, these international markets are gaining attention. Our analysts have carefully selected these ETFs to help you capitalize on global opportunities and diversify beyond US borders.

Han Tan | Market Analyst

Updated 2 days ago | Published at mai 8