

Investors are looking to balance concentration risk and returns amid brewing anxiety about U.S. stocks. While the push and pull of Middle East diplomacy continues, A.I.

It's becoming increasingly clear that tariff tensions between the United States and the rest of the world won't be going away any time soon. Last Friday, the U.S. imposed a series of tariffs on 60 different trading partners, including China, Canada, and the European Union.

At the recent Exchange conference, there was much chatter among advisors concerning the growing role of international dividends. Todd Mathias, Head of U.S. ETF Product Strategy & Development at Franklin Templeton, sat down with VettaFi to discuss the shift toward international dividend strategies.

For nearly two decades, the playbook for U.S. investors was simple: Buy domestic tech and enjoy the ride. However, the conversation has shifted toward a long-overdue resurgence of international investing.

In the early innings of 2026, dividend exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are offering a rarified combo of performance as well as income. This places a spotlight on and the Franklin U.S. Dividend Booster Index ETF (XUDV) and the Franklin International Dividend Booster Index ETF (XIDV), which have both been strong performers to start the year.

According to YCharts the Franklin International Dividend Booster Index ETF (XIDV) has returned 8.95% year-to-date, narrowly outperforming the iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA), which is up 8.75% over the same period. At first glance, the difference may appear modest.

As the ETF industry continues its record-breaking trajectory, the upcoming Exchange conference is shaping up to be the most consequential industry gathering of the year. From March 15–18, 2026, the industry will gather at the Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas for what has become the definitive summit for the ETF ecosystem.

Envestnet Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in Franklin International Dividend Multiplier Index ETF (NYSEARCA:XIDV) during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund purchased 107,413 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $3,303,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. owned approximately 13.43% of
SEC filings for XIDV aren't indexed yet — common for recently launched funds. Browse the issuer's filings on SEC EDGAR directly.