Most investors seem to think of diversification as defense. Suddenly, it's playing offense. While the S&P 500 has wrenched up and down but gone pretty much nowhere this year, international, emerging-market, small stocks and value stocks have taken off. ...

Right now, international stocks are a huge bargain compared to U.S. stocks. Apollo Global Management estimates that the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, which measures a stock's price relative to the company's earnings, of U.S. stocks is 40% higher than the P/E ratio for the rest of the world. So U.S. stocks are 40% more expensive than international stocks. The two groups of equities were priced about the same up until about 2015, but the surge in valuations of U.S. tech stocks (think Magnificent Seven sto ...

US stocks haven’t been this out of favor relative to their international peers in more than five years, according to Bank of America’s Michael Hartnett https://t.co/O5NaZMqdRU ...

Core Insights - Investors have shifted focus from large-cap tech stocks to international and value stocks, marking a significant change in portfolio strategy [2][4][6] Group 1: Market Performance Trends - In 2022, emerging markets outperformed the S&P 500 for the first time since 2020, indicating a growing interest in international stocks [2] - The trend of international stocks outperforming continues into 2026, suggesting a broader market rotation away from U.S. leadership [2][6] - Historically, market leadership between U.S. and international stocks runs in multiyear cycles, with the average cycle length being just over eight years since 1975 [4][5] Group 2: Historical Context - The U.S. has outperformed international stocks for the past 15 years, but recent performance indicates that international equities are overdue for a resurgence [5][6] - The last significant period of international stock leadership occurred from 2002 to 2010, while the current U.S. leadership has lasted since 2010 [5] Group 3: Future Outlook - Fundamentals and valuations may support a shift towards developed international stocks, with the Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF identified as a strong investment choice to capitalize on this trend [7][8]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of including mid-cap stocks in investment portfolios alongside small-cap and international stocks [1] Group 1 - Mid-cap stocks are often overlooked but can provide significant growth opportunities [1] - Investors are encouraged to diversify their portfolios by adding mid-cap exposure to balance risk and return [1]

Core Insights - The Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) offers lower costs and a broader selection of developed-market stocks compared to the iShares MSCI ACWI ex US ETF (ACWX), which has a different sector mix [2][10] Cost & Size Comparison - VEA has an expense ratio of 0.03%, significantly lower than ACWX's 0.32% - As of January 9, 2026, VEA's one-year return is 35.8%, while ACWX's is 34.2% - VEA provides a dividend yield of 3.1%, compared to ACWX's 2.7% - VEA has a total asset under management (AUM) of $268.9 billion, while ACWX has $7.87 billion [3][4] Performance & Risk Analysis - Over the past five years, VEA's maximum drawdown is -29.70%, slightly better than ACWX's -30.06% - An investment of $1,000 in VEA would have grown to $1,331, while the same investment in ACWX would have grown to $1,267 [5] Portfolio Composition - ACWX tracks large- and mid-cap stocks from developed and emerging markets outside the US, with approximately 1,751 holdings; major sectors include Financial Services (25%), Technology (15%), and Industrials (15%) [6] - VEA focuses on developed markets in Europe, the Pacific, and Canada, holding over 3,800 stocks; its leading sectors are Financial Services (24%), Industrials (19%), and Technology (12%) [7][8] Investment Implications - International stocks outperformed U.S. markets in 2025, making both VEA and ACWX attractive options for investors seeking exposure to non-U.S. equities, despite their differing cost structures [10]

Group 1 - The iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) has gained 36% over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [2][8] - The fund has a total asset value of $51 billion and features an ultra-low expense ratio of 0.07%, making it attractive for investors seeking international exposure [2] - The MSCI All Country World ex-USA Index increased by 29% in 2025, driven by a weakening U.S. dollar and expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts [5] Group 2 - A key macro factor influencing IXUS is the weakness of the U.S. dollar, which enhances the value of international stocks for U.S. investors [4][6] - JPMorgan Chase Global Research maintains a bearish outlook on the dollar for 2026, suggesting that continued dollar weakness could benefit IXUS [6] - The fund has significant geographic concentration, with seven of its top ten holdings being Canadian companies, indicating a reliance on Canadian economic conditions [7]

Core Insights - The stock market is reaching new all-time highs, prompting investors to focus on diversification strategies, particularly in international stocks and small/mid-cap growth stocks that offer more attractive valuations [1] Group 1 - Investors are encouraged to increase exposure to international stocks and small/mid-cap growth stocks due to their compelling trading opportunities [1] - Gary Alexander, with extensive experience in technology and startups, provides insights into current industry trends and investment themes [1]

Core Insights - The stock market is reaching new all-time highs, prompting investors to focus on diversification strategies, particularly in international stocks and small/mid-cap growth stocks that offer more attractive valuations [1] Group 1: Market Trends - The current market environment is characterized by a push towards higher stock prices, leading to increased interest in diversification among investors [1] Group 2: Investment Focus - Investors are encouraged to enhance their portfolios by increasing exposure to international stocks and small/mid-cap growth stocks, which are perceived to be trading at more compelling valuations [1] Group 3: Analyst Background - Gary Alexander, with extensive experience in technology sectors on Wall Street and Silicon Valley, provides insights into industry trends and has been a contributor to Seeking Alpha since 2017 [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of reallocating a larger portion of investment portfolios towards international stocks, particularly in light of the recent rebound in U.S. stocks and their high valuation multiples. It highlights the potential of both value and growth opportunities in international markets [1]. Group 1 - The current market environment shows a significant rebound in U.S. stocks, which have reclaimed high valuation multiples [1]. - There is a strong focus on value in international stocks, but growth stories should not be overlooked [1]. - The author, Gary Alexander, has extensive experience in technology and startup sectors, providing insights into current industry trends [1].