Market Trends & Performance - International stocks and ETFs are outperforming the US stock market [1][2] - The MSCI All Country World ex USA Index is up approximately 30% year-to-date, marking its widest outperformance against broad US indexes in 16 years [3] - US dollar weakness, declining about 9% this year, boosts returns of foreign indexes in dollar terms [3] - International stocks are attractively valued after 10-15 years of underperformance versus US stocks [3] ETF Analysis & Diversification - Diversification and better valuation are reasons to consider international stock ETFs [5] - VXUS, a Vanguard ETF, holds 8,700 developed and emerging market stocks excluding the US, with a 005% expense ratio and $111 billion in assets [6] - IVLU, an iShares ETF, focuses on value characteristics, holding 343 large and mid-cap developed excluding US stocks, with a 030% expense ratio and $8 billion in assets [9] - Gwell, a Cambria ETF, is actively managed, focusing on the cheapest countries in the world with a concentrated portfolio of 113 stocks, a 066% expense ratio and $353 million in assets [10][11] Sector & Country Allocation - International stock ETFs offer more diversification to sectors beyond technology, such as financials and industrials [8] - Top countries in VXUS include Japan, China, UK, Canada, and Taiwan [9] - Japan receives approximately 30% weight in IVLU [9] Comparative Performance - Gwell is up about 47% year-to-date, IVLU is up about 37%, and VXUS is up about 30%, compared to the S&P 500 index which is up about 17% year-to-date [13]

Core Insights - The period from 2015 to 2024 was challenging for international stocks, with the MSCI EAFE Index returning 66.9%, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 239.9% gain [1] Group 1: Current Performance - The iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) has shown strong performance in 2025, returning 27.6% as of October 17, outperforming the S&P 500's 14.4% gain [2] Group 2: Investor Behavior - Many U.S. investors are underallocated to international stocks, with an average weight of only 25% in their equity portfolios compared to domestic equities [4][5] - This underallocation presents an opportunity for IEFA to rally further if U.S. investors adjust their perspectives on international equities [5] Group 3: Market Opportunities - Japan is highlighted as an underowned market, with inexpensive stocks and ongoing corporate governance changes that encourage buybacks and dividends [6] - The IEFA fund allocates 24% of its investments to Japanese stocks, suggesting potential benefits if global asset allocators recognize the value in Japan [6]

Core Insights - International equities, particularly dividend payers, are outperforming U.S. stocks, with the ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) achieving a year-to-date gain of nearly 26% and reaching a 52-week high [1][2]. Performance Metrics - IDOG has outperformed the S&P 500 by nearly 2-to-1 since the beginning of the year, with only 10.57% of its allocation in technology stocks [2]. - French and Japanese stocks account for over 31% of IDOG's geographic exposure, contributing to its strong performance [3]. Market Dynamics - Many U.S. investors are under-allocated to international stocks, with only about 25% of their stock portfolios in this category, despite international stocks representing nearly 40% of global equity market capitalization [4][5]. - The declining U.S. dollar has positively impacted international stocks, enhancing returns for U.S. investors by increasing the value of foreign earnings when converted back to U.S. dollars [5][6]. Future Outlook - Experts suggest that international equities may have further upside potential, especially as U.S. investors may need to reassess their allocations towards international stocks [4][5]. - The current trend of U.S. dollar weakness is expected to continue, which could further benefit international equities [6].

Group 1 - The individual began investing in high school in 2011, focusing on REITs, preferred stocks, and high-yield bonds, indicating a long-standing interest in markets and the economy [1] - Recently, the investment strategy has evolved to combine long stock positions with covered calls and cash secured puts, reflecting a more sophisticated approach to investing [1] - The investment philosophy is fundamentally long-term, with a primary focus on REITs and financials, while occasionally exploring ETFs and other stocks based on macro trade ideas [1]

Group 1 - International stocks are outperforming domestic equities in 2025, with both ex-US developed markets and emerging markets leading the S&P 500 this year [1] - The performance of international stocks is supported by a 10% year-to-date decline in the value of the US dollar [1]

Market Overview - The equity market has experienced a significant recovery since Liberation Day, with low stocks increasing by 38% [1] - The current period, historically challenging, includes August, September, and October, suggesting a potential for a 5-10% correction due to high forward multiples for the S&P at approximately 22 times earnings [2] Earnings Performance - Second quarter revenues rose by 6% year-over-year, while earnings increased by 12% year-over-year, both exceeding expectations [4] - Earnings estimates for the remainder of the year are being reevaluated upwards, indicating solid double-digit growth [5] Economic Indicators - The GDP estimate for the U.S. next year is projected at 2.8%, significantly higher than the blue chip consensus of 1.5% [6] - International stocks are currently valued about 40% cheaper than domestic stocks, with a typical discount of around 20% [8] Investment Strategy - There is a belief in a rolling rotation within the market, with potential profit-taking from high-performing stocks benefiting small-cap, value, and international names that have lagged [3] - The international asset class is favored, supported by a weak dollar and more accommodative foreign central banks, which are expected to facilitate stronger economic and earnings growth [9][10]

Market Overview & Outlook - Equity market experienced a phenomenal recovery, with low stocks up 38% since Liberation Day [1] - A potential 5-10% correction is possible, considering the S&P's forward multiples at approximately 22 times earnings and the 10-year Treasury yields slightly above 4% [2] - The market is expected to see a rolling rotation, with profit-taking from the "Magnificent Seven" benefiting small-cap, value, and international stocks [3] Earnings & Revenue Performance - Second-quarter revenues increased by 6% year-over-year, and earnings increased by 12% year-over-year, both exceeding expectations [4] - Third-quarter revenues are projected to increase by approximately 6-7%, with earnings expected to show solid double-digit growth [4] - Federated Hermes is reevaluating and increasing its earnings estimates for the remainder of the current year and the following year [5] Economic Indicators & GDP - The U S GDP estimate for the next year is 28%, while the blue-chip consensus is 15% [6] International Markets - International stocks are considered attractive due to valuations being 40% cheaper than domestic stocks, compared to a typical discount of 20% [8] - The dividend yield on international stocks is approximately 29%, significantly higher than the S&P's 12% [8] - A weak dollar and accommodative foreign central banks are expected to facilitate stronger economic and earnings growth in international markets [9] - The company maintains an overweight position in international assets, viewing them as a favorable subcategory [10]

Core Insights - International stocks are significantly outperforming U.S. stocks in 2025, indicating a shift in investment trends and potential opportunities in global markets [1] Group 1 - The performance of international stocks has shown a marked improvement, with returns exceeding those of U.S. stocks by a considerable margin [1] - Investors are increasingly looking towards international markets as a viable alternative to U.S. equities, driven by various economic factors [1] - The trend suggests a growing confidence in global economic recovery and diversification strategies among investors [1]

Core Insights - U.S. stock indices are reaching record highs, but international markets are outperforming them in 2025, marking a shift from the previous decade of U.S. dominance [1] - Many regions in Europe, Asia, and Latin America are cutting interest rates, creating a more predictable investment environment compared to the U.S., which is facing trade and inflation uncertainties [1] - The decline of the U.S. dollar in 2025 has positively impacted international stocks, particularly for U.S. dollar-based investors [1] - Valuations in U.S. equities have become high, prompting investors to seek opportunities in markets with lower price-to-earnings ratios [1] - Increased military-industrial spending in Europe due to geopolitical tensions is attracting investment interest [1] Market Dynamics - The easing cycle in various global markets contrasts with the Federal Reserve's cautious approach, leading to a shift in investment focus [1] - The current market environment is characterized by a lack of innovation in some international markets, but this is offset by regulatory predictability [1] - The trend of international diversification is gaining traction as investors look for opportunities outside the U.S. [1]

Market Outlook - Markets anticipate the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates in September following a disappointing jobs report [1] - Fidelity leaders discuss the likelihood of a rate cut in September and its potential implications for investors [1] - The discussion includes the potential impact of tariffs [1] Historical Analysis - The report examines historical data to understand the effects of rate cuts on the markets [1] Investment Strategies - The discussion covers the bond market and the 60/40 portfolio strategy [1] - The report identifies potential investment opportunities [1] Economic Factors - The report analyzes the relationship between rate cuts and inflation [1] - The future actions of the Federal Reserve are considered [1]