Despite climbing nearly 50% since the March lows, U.S. stocks are trailing the recovery experienced by international equities. The SPDR S&P 500 (SPY) is up 46% from March 11 compared to a 68% gain for theVanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF (VEU) over the same time period.
The global rally in stocks that began in March has stalled. US stocks have been flat for a month and the rest of the world is pulling back after surging past the U.S. market over the past few weeks.
In what has been a rough year for US stocks, international stocks are down even more. Through October, the Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF (VEU) is down 44% compared to the Russell 3000 Index Fund (IWV) which is down 33%.
Depending on how you define international, there 200+ funds and well over $100 billion invested in International ETFs – how do you sort through such a large and diverse selection?
John has recently finished his studies, landed a new job and wants to begin putting some money to work in the market as well as pay down his student loans.