Core Insights - The Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) and iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (ACWX) are core international equity ETFs providing exposure to both emerging and developed markets outside the U.S. [2] Cost & Size Comparison - SCHF has a significantly lower expense ratio of 0.03% compared to ACWX's 0.32% - SCHF also offers a higher dividend yield of 3.25% versus ACWX's 2.7% - Assets Under Management (AUM) for SCHF is $57.14 billion, while ACWX has $8.53 billion [3][4] Performance & Risk Analysis - Over the past five years, SCHF experienced a maximum drawdown of -29.15%, while ACWX had a drawdown of -30.06% - An investment of $1,000 in SCHF would have grown to $1,342, compared to $1,267 for ACWX [5] Portfolio Composition - ACWX holds 1,796 companies with top sector allocations in financial services (24%), industrials (14%), and technology (14%), with major holdings including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Tencent Holdings, and ASML Holding [6] - SCHF has 1,498 holdings, with its third-highest sector allocation in consumer discretion, and its top holdings include ASML Holding, Samsung Electronics, and Roche Holding [7] Implications for Investors - Both ETFs exclude U.S. stocks, which may present different risks for U.S.-based investors compared to U.S.-centered funds [8] - SCHF's lower expense ratio and higher dividend yield may appeal to cost-conscious investors, while ACWX offers broader diversification with more companies and a slightly higher tech allocation [9]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the potential for international equities to outperform US stocks, suggesting that investors should consider diversifying their portfolios by investing abroad due to unique catalysts in various international markets [2][10]. International Market Performance - International equities have shown significant outperformance compared to the US equity market year to date, indicating that there is still room for growth in this sector [2][3]. - European stocks and international stocks have been trading at a discount to US stocks, with international equities currently at approximately a 30% discount relative to US equities, the highest in 20 years [13][14]. Catalysts for Investment - In Europe, increased defense spending by NATO members, aiming for a 5% of GDP target, is expected to inject additional stimulus into the market [4]. - The European Central Bank (ECB) has led in rate cuts, reducing its lending rate by half over the past year, which may create a favorable environment for equity investing [5]. - In Japan, changes in governance are fostering a more competitive market environment, moving away from inter-company investments [6][7]. - In Asia, potential trade agreements between the US and China could positively impact emerging markets, making them an attractive investment opportunity [8][19]. Diversification Importance - The concentration of large-cap US stocks is significant, with the top 10 names in the S&P 500 accounting for about 40% of the index, while the top 10 in the EPHA index represents only 10-15% [11][12]. - Diversifying into international equities can help balance risk, especially as many investors may be more exposed to US large-cap names than they realize [20]. Investment Strategies - Alliance Bernstein offers various ETFs for international equity investment, including a core international equity product that focuses on quality, stability, and reasonable pricing [15]. - The recently launched AB International Growth ETF targets growth opportunities in international markets [16]. Emerging Markets Opportunity - Emerging markets are viewed as an interesting opportunity, particularly as tariff uncertainties have been priced in and a weakening US dollar may provide debt relief for these economies [18][19].