ishares

Most successful investors hold a mix of stocks (or the ETFs that hold them)—and one key component of a well-diversified portfolio are growth stocks. Note that it’s very easy to confuse growth stocks with momentum stocks. Like growth stocks, momentum stocks often move up faster than market averages....

This East Asian country managed the COVID-19 pandemic well, with the government implementing massive stimulus programs to boost the economy. All this has set South Korea up for a strong post-pandemic rebound. Meanwhile, many stocks now trade at attractive valuations....

Most real estate stocks and REITs were well on their way to recovering their pre-COVID highs when interest rates began to rise. But those higher rates worried investors and dramatically slowed that recovery.


Still, for most real-estate classes (except for office buildings), occupancies have risen back to pre-pandemic levels, and rents are rising....

ISHARES MSCI JAPAN INDEX FUND, $55.67 is a buy. The ETF (New York symbol EWJ; buy or sell through brokers; us.ishares.com) tries to match the return of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Japan Index.


The fund’s top holdings include Toyota, 5.4%; Sony Corp., 3.3%; Keyence (sensors), 2.5%; Mitsubishi UFJ Financial, 2.1%; Recruit Holdings (human resources), 1.7%; Tokyo Electron (computer chips), 1.6%; KDDI (telecom), 1.6%; Softbank, 1.5%; and Shin Etsu Chemical, 1.5%....

All of the major global stock markets fell at the outbreak of COVID-19. But many top markets have since rebounded. We think the outlook remains positive for quality stocks, and one way to profit from that—while cutting your risk—is to invest in top ETFs.


Here’s a look at four international funds that we believe are suitable for your new buying....

Australia’s economy looks set for steady expansion this year. Pent-up spending and faster wage growth should spur household spending and domestic consumption. Meanwhile, the country’s resource-heavy export sector will benefit from sustained global demand for commodities and the reopening of borders....

ISHARES MSCI TAIWAN INDEX FUND, $51.78, is a buy for aggressive investors. The ETF (New York symbol EWT; buy or sell through brokers) gives you direct exposure to some of the top public companies of this East Asian powerhouse economy.


The fund’s largest holding is Taiwan Semiconductor at 22.0% of assets....

The major Canadian and U.S. stock markets, while subject to volatility, have moved back up since their initial COVID-19 drop. Nonetheless, we think that if you can afford to stay in the market for several years or longer, now is still a good time for new buying....

This month we highlight an ETF from Invesco that invests in metals used for electric vehicles and batteries. We also highlight an ETF from RBC iShares aimed at providing access to a global portfolio of stocks engaged in “exponential technologies.”


INVESCO ELECTRIC VEHICLE METALS COMMODITY STRATEGY ETF $27.84 (New York symbol EVMT) invests in metals that are commonly used in the manufacture of electric vehicles and batteries.


The ETF invests in a diverse basket of futures contracts to get exposure to those metals—specifically copper, aluminum, nickel, cobalt, and iron ore.


The fund launched on April 27, 2022, and charges a management fee of 0.59%....

Nestle is the largest holding in the iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF at 21.5%. That’s high for any single stock, but the firm continues to be a top global stock.


As a 150-year-old company, Nestle is the largest food producer and distributor in the world. Its size is considerable; in fact, its market value and operating profits are more than U.S....