

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.

Renewed transatlantic trade tensions and a complex geopolitical landscape heighten U.S. economic volatility, prompting investors to turn to global equity funds.

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.

IGRO which follows a group of 450 international dividend growers has generated returns of close to 15% and outperformed global markets by around 330 bps this year. We measure how IGRO stacks up against its more popular peer- VIGI. While IGRO's portfolio may appeal to those fishing for beaten down and cheaply valued opportunities across the globe, we find that the risk-reward on the standalone chart is not ideal.

The U.S. remains the dominant global economic power, but ongoing trade tensions may threaten its long-term leadership. I continue to invest in American businesses, but believe diversifying internationally is prudent for long-term wealth building. Uncertainty from U.S. trade policies could prompt other nations to unify and reduce reliance on America, shifting global dynamics.

International stocks remain significantly undervalued, presenting a potential investment opportunity for retail investors. Key indexes like the Dow Jones International Dividend 100 and Morningstar Global ex-US Dividend Growth Index guide investment strategies in this matchup. Funds talked about investing in ADRs, GDRs, EDRs, and up to 20% in futures, options, swaps, cash, and equivalents.

With a flip of the switch, BlackRock ( NYSE:BLK ) recently completed the company's first mutual fund-to-ETF conversion, a move made to meet investors' insatiable thirst for active management.
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