Consumer-focused ETFs add stability

Consumer companies such as Walmart, Kellogg and Nestle provide basic goods that consumers need, even during a recession. It is therefore not surprising that these companies have relatively consistent revenue and profit histories and are able to maintain their dividends even during tough economic times.
These… Read More

Consumer staples offer strength in downturns

Traditionally, the price of most stocks, and the ETFs that hold them, drop during market declines. However, certain segments generally perform better than the overall market. Below, we highlight three ETFs focused on firms that produce and sell consumer staples. They should, as in past… Read More

European ETFs offer long-term promise

European stocks continue to face near-term challenges as the war in Ukraine, record inflation and the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic weigh on their prospects. Still, the long-term outlook for top European companies is strong, and many of these leading companies derive a significant… Read More

This global food giant is a top Swiss stock

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… Read More

Switzerland is rebounding from COVID

Switzerland has a stable, export-oriented economy, which regularly ranks among the world’s most competitive. In addition, it is home to some of the top performing and best-known global companies. COVID-19 slowed the economy along with most other nations—and it’s still a risk. But the outlook… Read More

These ETFs aim to let you invest responsibly

Over the last few years, more and more ETF managers have launched funds focused on taking environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into account.
Sustainable investing offers some investors a lot of conceptual and emotional appeal. But does investing in these kind of stocks hurt your… Read More

Q: Pat, I am 75 years old and have a million-dollar-plus investment portfolio, mainly in blue chip, dividend-paying stocks. I recently bought some of the BMO International Dividend ETF. Could you give me your opinion on this ETF? Note—I’ve been an Inner Circle member for years.

A: BMO International Dividend ETF, $19.67, symbol ZDI on Toronto (Units outstanding: 22.2 million; Market cap: $440.6 million; www.bmo.com), offers exposure to a portfolio of high-yield dividend-paying companies in developed market. The fund excludes North American firms, but can include foreign ADRs trading on U.S…. Read More