Australia stands out

Article Excerpt

ISHARES AUSTRALIA INDEX FUND $24.17 (New York symbol EWA; buy or sell through brokers), is an ETF that holds the 75 largest Australian stocks. The fund’s top holdings include BHP Billiton, 15.1%; Commonwealth Bank of Australia, 8.1%; Westpac Banking Corp., 7.3%; Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, 6.8%; National Australia Bank, 5.8%; Woolworths, 3.8%; Wesfarmers, 3.6%; Newcrest Mining, 3.3%; and Westfield Group, 2.9%. In addition to stable banking and political systems, as well as high demand for its exports, Australia is close to Asian markets, and is rich in natural resources. iShares MSCI Australia Index Fund was launched on March 12, 1996. The ETF’s MER is 0.55%. iShares MSCI Australia Index Fund is a buy for aggressive investors. investors. …