The best way to invest in France’s recovery

Article Excerpt

The May 2017 election of Emmanuel Macron as France’s new president ushered in a turnaround for the French stock market. Even so, the young leader will have to work hard to implement the tough reforms needed to further lift the French economy out of stagnation. ISHARES MSCI FRANCE ETF $31 (New York symbol EWQ; TSI Network ETF Rating: Aggressive; Market cap: $781.0 million) tracks the performance of the largest publicly listed French companies. The ETF holds a well-diversified portfolio of 80 stocks. Industrials account for 21% of its assets, while Consumer Goods (21%), Financials (17%) and Healthcare (9%) are other key segments. The fund’s largest 10 holdings make up 45% of its assets. They are Total SA (oil refining, 8.2%), Sanofi (pharmaceuticals, 6.1%), BNP Paribas (financial, 5.2%), LVMH (luxury goods, 5.1%), Airbus (aircraft, 3.6%), AXA SA (insurance, 3.7%), L’Oreal SA (cosmetics, 3.3%), Air Liquide (industrial gases, 3.3%), Vinci SA (construction, 3.2%) and Schneider Electric (industrial conglomerate, 3.1%). The ETF started in March 1996…