Something unusual is happening across global markets. Record streaks, rare rotations and historic moves are surfacing at the same time.From global equities to commodities to individual stocks, trends are emerging that we haven't seen in years — and in some cases, ever.Here are seven charts quietly reshaping market leadership — even if few are paying attention.1. Global Stocks Are On a Historic Run, But The US Is Not Joining The PartyThe All Country ex-U.S. ETF (NYSE:ACWX) – the benchmark tracking global equ ...

Core Insights - The article compares two international ETFs: Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) and iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (ACWX), highlighting their differing focuses on emerging markets versus a broader global diversification strategy [2] Cost and Size Comparison - VWO has a significantly lower expense ratio of 0.07% compared to ACWX's 0.32% [3][4] - As of January 25, 2026, VWO's one-year return is 28.53%, while ACWX's is 31.86% [3] - Both ETFs offer similar dividend yields, with VWO at 2.64% and ACWX at 2.7% [3] - VWO has assets under management (AUM) of $112.62 billion, significantly larger than ACWX's $8.53 billion [3] Performance and Risk Comparison - Over the past five years, VWO experienced a maximum drawdown of -34.31%, while ACWX had a drawdown of -30.06% [5] - An investment of $1,000 in VWO would have grown to $1,069 over five years, compared to $1,267 for ACWX [5] Portfolio Composition - ACWX, launched nearly 18 years ago, holds 1,796 companies across developed and emerging markets, with a focus on financial services, industrials, and technology [6] - The largest positions in ACWX include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Tencent Holdings Ltd., and ASML Holding N.V. [6] - VWO is concentrated in emerging markets, with significant investments in technology, financial services, and consumer cyclical sectors, including major stakes in Taiwan Semiconductor, Tencent, and Alibaba Group [7] - TSMC alone constitutes over 10% of VWO's assets, indicating a higher concentration and potential volatility compared to ACWX [7] Dividend Payment Structure - ACWX pays dividends semi-annually, while VWO pays dividends quarterly, which may influence investor preferences regarding cash flow [10]

Core Insights - FFG Partners disclosed a new position in the iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF, acquiring 122,025 shares valued at approximately $8.19 million, which increased the fund's quarter-end valuation [2][3] - The new position represents 2.38% of FFG Partners' reportable U.S. equity assets under management as of December 31, and the ETF has shown a significant price increase of 32% over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500 [4][11] ETF Overview - The iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF has an assets under management (AUM) of $7.87 billion and a current price of $70.15, with a dividend yield of 2.8% [5][10] - The ETF aims to track the performance of the MSCI ACWI ex U.S. Index, providing exposure to over 1,750 companies across developed and emerging markets, with a diversified portfolio across various sectors [9][12] Investment Implications - The performance of ACWX reflects improving earnings trends abroad and more reasonable valuations compared to large-cap U.S. stocks, indicating a shift in relevance for non-U.S. equities [11] - The allocation to ACWX complements FFG Partners' heavy exposure to U.S. growth stocks, adding geographic diversification while maintaining equity upside, which is essential for building resilient investment portfolios [13]

Core Insights - The Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) and iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (ACWX) provide broad international equity exposure but differ in costs, returns, risk, and portfolio composition [2] Cost & Size Comparison - VT has a lower expense ratio of 0.06% compared to ACWX's 0.32%, making it more affordable for long-term investors [3][4] - As of January 24, 2026, VT's one-year return is 19.76%, while ACWX's is significantly higher at 34.2% [3] - VT has a dividend yield of 1.77%, whereas ACWX offers a higher yield of 2.7% [3][4] - VT has assets under management (AUM) of $62.50 billion, compared to ACWX's $8.53 billion [3] Performance & Risk Comparison - Over the past five years, VT experienced a maximum drawdown of -26.38%, while ACWX had a larger drawdown of -30.06% [5] - An investment of $1,000 in VT would have grown to $1,527 over five years, compared to $1,267 for ACWX [5] Portfolio Composition - ACWX, launched nearly 18 years ago, tracks non-U.S. large- and mid-cap stocks, holding 1,796 companies with a focus on financial services, industrials, and technology [6] - VT combines U.S. and international stocks, covering 10,036 holdings, with a similar sector mix [7] - The largest positions in ACWX include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Tencent Holdings, and ASML Holding, while VT's top holdings are Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft [6][7] Investment Implications - Since its inception, VT has outperformed ACWX, yielding nearly 150% more since 2008 [8] - VT has a smaller dividend yield but offers quarterly payouts, which may appeal to investors preferring more frequent distributions compared to ACWX's semi-annual payouts [9] - ACWX has a higher one-year return and a broader international focus in its top holdings, which span Asia to Europe, while VT's top holdings are predominantly U.S. stocks [10]

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 iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF provides a cost-effective way for investors to gain exposure to a diverse range of international equities, excluding the U.S., and is well-positioned to capture growth opportunities in both developed and emerging markets [1][2]. Group 1: Fund Structure and Strategy - The fund is structured as an ETF with a competitive expense ratio, making it suitable for both institutional and individual investors seeking international diversification [2]. - The investment strategy aims to track the performance of the MSCI ACWI ex U.S. Index, offering exposure to developed and emerging markets outside the U.S. [3]. Group 2: Performance Metrics - As of January 21, 2026, shares were priced at $69.74, reflecting a 30.1% increase over the past year, with a one-year alpha of 15.0 percentage points compared to the S&P 500 [3]. - Premier Path Wealth Partners, LLC increased its holding in the ETF to $18.16 million, marking a $4.74 million increase from the previous period [4]. Group 3: Holdings and Sector Allocation - The fund's top holdings include significant non-U.S. stocks such as Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC), Tencent Holdings, and ASML, which are crucial for the global economy [6]. - Despite a notable presence in technology, the fund has a heavier investment in the financial and industrial sectors, contributing to its diversification and potential returns [7].

Core Viewpoint - The iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (ACWX) is positioned as a strong investment option for those looking to diversify internationally, especially amid growing concerns about U.S. market stability and political noise [3][19]. Group 1: Fund Overview - ACWX has been in the market since March 26, 2008, and currently manages approximately $8.48 billion in assets, reflecting significant investor confidence [1]. - The ETF tracks large- and mid-cap companies across developed and emerging markets, investing at least 80% of its assets in index-linked securities, providing diversified international exposure [2]. - The fund has a net asset value (NAV) of $69.72 and a low expense ratio of 0.32%, making it cost-effective for broad international exposure [1]. Group 2: Performance Metrics - Over the past decade, ACWX has appreciated nearly 87%, with a recent increase of about 35.16% over the past 52 weeks and 14.28% over the last six months, outperforming the S&P 500 Index [7]. - The ETF reached an all-time high of $69.86 on January 12, 2026, indicating strong momentum [7]. - The 14-day RSI is rising, suggesting persistent buying interest, while the MACD oscillator indicates a bullish trend [8]. Group 3: Income Generation - ACWX has consistently paid dividends for 17 years, with a recent semiannual dividend of $1.049 per share, translating to an annual yield of approximately 2.72%, which is significantly higher than the S&P 500 Index's yield of 1.05% [9]. Group 4: Holdings and Diversification - The ETF holds a diverse portfolio of 1,751 stocks, with the top 10 holdings comprising about 13% of the portfolio, providing stability without excessive concentration risk [10]. - Major holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (3.8%), Tencent Holdings (1.46%), and ASML Holding (1.42%), among others [10]. Group 5: Market Trends and Investor Behavior - ACWX has attracted net inflows of $1.82 billion over the past year, indicating a deliberate repositioning by investors amid a complex market backdrop [12]. - The ETF's liquidity is strong, with average monthly trading volumes exceeding 2.132 million shares, reflecting steady investor participation [11]. - As political noise increases in the U.S., international markets are becoming more attractive, leading to steady inflows into ACWX [18].

Group 1 - The article provides a market analysis covering major indices and ETFs, including the S&P 500 and SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust [1] - It highlights the performance of Berkshire Hathaway Inc Class A and its impact on the market [1] - The analysis also includes insights on the iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF, indicating its relevance in global investment strategies [1]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of global diversification in investment portfolios to complement core investments in US markets [1] - It highlights the iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF as a classical market benchmark for global diversification [1] Group 2 - The author has a strong background in finance, with expertise in corporate finance, M&A, and investment analysis, particularly in real estate and renewable energy sectors [1] - The article aims to share insights and analysis with a global audience, fostering informed investment decisions [1]

Group 1 - American stocks have recently underperformed, with the S&P 500 down approximately 8% from its 52-week high [1] - The iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF is mentioned, indicating a broader market sentiment beyond U.S. equities [1] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the importance of in-depth research on various investment vehicles, including REITs, mREITs, Preferreds, BDCs, MLPs, and ETFs [1] - A free 2-week trial is offered to attract potential investors to the research services [1] - The article includes testimonials, with a majority rated 5 stars, suggesting a positive reception of the research services [1]