ishares
All of the major global stock markets fell at the initial 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 quality ETFs.
Here’s a look at four international funds that we believe are well-suited for your new buying....
Here’s a look at four international funds that we believe are well-suited for your new buying....
A: iShares Canadian Financial Monthly Income ETF, $7.63, symbol FIE on Toronto (Units outstanding: 113.4 million; Market cap: $865.3 million; www.blackrock.com/ca), invests primarily in the common shares, preferred shares and corporate bonds of firms in the Canadian finance industry.
The fund charges investors an MER of 0.89%, which is high by ETF standards....
The fund charges investors an MER of 0.89%, which is high by ETF standards....
A: Three main factors continue to drive demand for healthcare products and services: the rapid aging of the population in developed countries; the expansion of medical services in developing countries; and significant new developments in the field of medical technology and innovation.
The iShares Global Healthcare ETF, $80.06, symbol IXJ on New York (Units outstanding: 35.3 million; Market cap: $2.8 billion; www.ishares.com/us), invests globally in healthcare companies.
The fund tracks the S&P Global Healthcare Index....
The iShares Global Healthcare ETF, $80.06, symbol IXJ on New York (Units outstanding: 35.3 million; Market cap: $2.8 billion; www.ishares.com/us), invests globally in healthcare companies.
The fund tracks the S&P Global Healthcare Index....
The United Arab Emirates is a small country in a potentially volatile region, with neighbours like Yemen and Iran nearby. Still, it has used its oil riches wisely to diversify the economy and become a major commercial hub in the Middle East.
Here’s an ETF that provides exposure to the top companies listed in the UAE.
ISHARES MSCI UAE ETF $13.42 (New York symbol UAE; TSINetwork ETF Rating: Aggressive; Market cap: $27.9 million) tracks the performance of the largest publicly listed UAE companies.
Financial Services account for 51% of its assets, while Telecommunications (15%), Real Estate (14%), Industrials (10%), and Energy (5%) are other key segments.
The ETF has a portfolio of 32 stocks; the top 10 holdings make up a high 72% of its assets....
Here’s an ETF that provides exposure to the top companies listed in the UAE.
ISHARES MSCI UAE ETF $13.42 (New York symbol UAE; TSINetwork ETF Rating: Aggressive; Market cap: $27.9 million) tracks the performance of the largest publicly listed UAE companies.
Financial Services account for 51% of its assets, while Telecommunications (15%), Real Estate (14%), Industrials (10%), and Energy (5%) are other key segments.
The ETF has a portfolio of 32 stocks; the top 10 holdings make up a high 72% of its assets....
A: Preferred shares behave more like long-term fixed-income instruments rather than short-term instruments. So, while short-term interest rates are still relatively low, the outlook for long-term interest rates is less certain.
The underlying credit quality of preferred share issuers can be a negative factor in some cases; for example, when the issuer’s share price is falling.
So unlike GICs, which don’t fall in value, the prices of preferreds can decline along with stock markets.
If you want to own a preferred share as part of the fixed-income segment of your portfolio, and you can accept some risk, then preferreds are okay to hold....
The underlying credit quality of preferred share issuers can be a negative factor in some cases; for example, when the issuer’s share price is falling.
So unlike GICs, which don’t fall in value, the prices of preferreds can decline along with stock markets.
If you want to own a preferred share as part of the fixed-income segment of your portfolio, and you can accept some risk, then preferreds are okay to hold....
ISHARES MSCI TAIWAN INDEX FUND, $60.35, 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 20.3% of assets....
The fund’s largest holding is Taiwan Semiconductor at 20.3% of assets....
The major Canadian and U.S. stock markets 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 to buy. We see ETFs as one way for you to profit from that rise, while cutting your risk.
The best of these funds offer a diversified group of stocks while charging you low management fees....
The best of these funds offer a diversified group of stocks while charging you low management fees....
The Bank of Canada cut its benchmark interest rate to 0.25% in March 2020. That was meant to support economic activity after COVID-19 hit. Whether the bank continues to hold that rate steady, cuts it further or raises it depends on Canada’s economic growth and employment levels.
Meanwhile, today’s low interest rates make bonds unattractive....
A: The iShares S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Index ETF, $22.23, symbol XEI on Toronto (Units outstanding: 44.7 million; Market cap: $993.7 million; www.blackrock.com/ca), aims to track the S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Index....
South Korea has been one of the most impressive performers among emerging-market economies over the past 50 years. That’s especially so over the last year.
The country has managed the COVID-19 pandemic well, with the government implementing massive stimulus programs to boost the economy....
The country has managed the COVID-19 pandemic well, with the government implementing massive stimulus programs to boost the economy....