Here’s a powerhouse economy for investors

Article Excerpt

Some investors overlook the Netherlands given its small size and small population. Still, other investors recognize it as one of the world’s top 20 economies and among the world’s top 10 exporters. The Netherlands has recovered well from the financial crisis a decade ago and is now one of the best performing economies in Europe. Investors also benefit from the good shape of government finances. Rating service S&P, in fact, given the country’s debt an AAA rating. Unsurprisingly, the Dutch stock market, home to several world-leading companies, has performed well for investors. ISHARES MSCI NETHERLANDS ETF $33.92 (New York symbol EWN; TSINetwork ETF Rating: Aggressive; Market cap: $215.9 million) give investors exposure to the largest publicly listed Dutch companies. Technology stocks account for 28% of the fund’s assets. Consumer Defensive (23%), Financial Services (13%), Communication Services (11%), Basic Materials (9%) and Healthcare (7%) are the other key segments investors tap. The ETF offers you a portfolio of 58 stocks; the top 10 holdings make up a big…