International Investing (2024)

International investing is the act of investing your money in foreign companies and markets to spread investment risk and take advantage of the potential for growth. Learn how to find new investment opportunities in Asia, Europe, and other global markets, to diversify your portfolio and more.

Guide to International Investing

International Investing (1)

What Are the Major World Stock Market Indexes?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is international investing?

    International investing is the act of investing your money in securities of companies or markets located in other countries around the world. International investing allows you to diversify your portfolio and take advantage of opportunities for growth.

  • What are the pros and cons of international investing?

    Diversification and growth are two pros of international investing, but the cons lie in the risks associated with foreign investments. You may not have access to information like you do with U.S. securities, there may be other costs and fees, you’ll likely have to work with a broker or investment advisor, and more. Consult a financial professional before taking part in international investments.

  • Which markets are open for international investing?

    You can invest in international markets around the world, including Asia, Europe, Latin America, Canada, and more.

  • How can you start investing in international stocks?

    You’ll need a brokerage account in order to begin investing in international stocks. Brokerage firms like Charles Schwab, Fidelity, Etrade, and more all offer investors access to international stocks. You can also invest in international stocks through mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Do your research before opening an account and only invest money you can afford to potentially lose.

Key Terms

  • Eurobonds

    Eurobonds are international bonds issued in a currency other than that of the issuer. Despite their name, eurobonds don't have to be given in euros. These bonds come in diverse forms.

  • MSCI EAFE

    The MSCI EAFE is a popular stock market index that's commonly used as a benchmark for major international equity markets. Large and mid-cap companies from developed countries worldwide, excluding the U.S. and Canada, are included in the index.

  • Fragile Five

    The Fragile Five is a group of countries that rely heavily on foreign investments for growth. The group that makes up the Fragile Five has shifted over time, but they all have certain traits in common.

  • CAC 40 Index

    Similar to the Dow Jones Industrial Average in the United States, the CAC 40 consists of the 40 largest equities by market capitalization and liquidity. While the CAC 40 is almost exclusively French companies, their multinational reach makes it one of the most popular European indices for foreign investors.

  • Exchange Rate Mechanism

    Exchange rate mechanisms, or ERMs, are systems designed to control a currency's exchange rate relative to other currencies. They are a key monetary strategy used by central banks.

  • MSCI All Country World Index

    The MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI) is a market-cap-weighted global equity index that tracks emerging and developed markets. It currently monitors nearly 3,000 large- and mid-cap stocks in 47 countries.

  • Dax 30 Index

    Germany's Deutscher Aktien Index, or DAX 30 Index, is a stock market index that consists of the 30 largest German companies trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

  • Euro Stoxx 50

    The EURO STOXX 50 is a leading index of Europe's blue chip companies that is now a part of Qontigo, an investment intelligence company created by the Deutsche Börse Group. Similar to the Dow Jones 30 index in the U.S., the EURO STOXX 50 includes 50 blue chip stocks across 8 eurozone countries.

  • TSX Venture Exchange

    The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) is like Canada's version of the New York Stock Exchange. In this manner, the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V) is like the NASDAQ Small Cap or OTCBB exchanges.

  • CAPE Ratio

    The cyclically adjusted price-to-earnings ratio is a variation of the classic price-to-earnings ratio that attempts to provide better long-term guidance on how a stock price compares to the underlying value of the company.

  • American Depositary Receipts

    An American depositary receipt (ADR) is a security that represents indirect ownership of shares of a foreign company that isn't directly traded on U.S. exchanges. American banks purchase the shares through their foreign branches. Then, they make them available to investors in the U.S.

  • Vanguard Total International Stock Index

    The Vanguard Total International Stock Index fund provides broad- and low-cost exposure to non-U.S. stock markets around the globe. It includes developed as well as emerging markets, with thousands of equities in its portfolio.

Explore International Investing

International Investing (2024)

FAQs

What do you mean by international investing? ›

International investing is an investment strategy that involves selecting global investment instruments as part of an investment portfolio. People often invest internationally to expand diversification and distribute investment risk between markets and global companies.

Is it a good idea to invest in international stocks? ›

Markets outside the United States don't always rise and fall at the same time as the domestic market, so owning pieces of both international and domestic securities can level out some of the volatility in your portfolio. This can spread out your portfolio's risk more than if you owned just domestic securities.

How do you invest internationally? ›

Key Takeaways
  • Investors can access foreign stocks via ADRs, GDRs, direct investing, mutual funds, ETFs, and MNCs.
  • Buying foreign stocks allows investors to diversify their portfolio's risk, in addition to giving them exposure to the growth of other economies.

What is international trade investment? ›

International trade and investment are key factors in the development and growth of economies around the world. They influence the interactions between countries, the transfer of resources and technologies, and the shaping of the global economic order.

What are the two 2 main types of international investments? ›

foreign direct investment (FDI) – where an investor sets up or buys a company (or a controlling share in a company) in another country, and; portfolio investment – where an investor buys shares in, or debt of, a foreign company without controlling that company.

What is an example of international investment? ›

A U.S.-based cellphone provider buying a chain of phone stores in China is an example. In a vertical FDI, a business acquires a complementary business in another country. For example, a U.S. manufacturer might acquire an interest in a foreign company that supplies it with the raw materials it needs.

What are the cons of international investing? ›

It is difficult for investors to understand all the political, economic, and social factors that influence markets, especially those abroad. Different levels of liquidity. Markets outside the U.S. may have lower trading volumes and fewer listed companies than U.S. markets. They may only be open a few hours a day.

What is the best international stock to buy? ›

Best International Companies to Own: 2024 Edition
Company NameTickerBusiness Country
UnileverULUnited Kingdom
Royal Bank of CanadaRYCanada
The Toronto-Dominion BankTDCanada
AstraZenecaAZNUnited Kingdom
31 more rows

Does Warren Buffett invest internationally? ›

Warren Buffett's investments in Japanese trading companies have raised their international profile and attracted other investors. However, his influence can also lead to a selloff when he reduces his stake in a company.

How much should I invest internationally? ›

Depending on your return objectives and risk tolerance, your international allocation should be 5-25% of your total stock market investments and the international weighting necessary for truly global exposure is likely to increase over time as global trends become even more entrenched.

How much of my 401k should be in international funds? ›

Foreign large-growth and foreign large-value funds fill more specialized roles; we consider them “building blocks” that could make up as much as 15% to 40% of a portfolio's assets. Because of the higher risk inherent in emerging markets or region-specific funds, we recommend limiting them to 15% of assets or less.

How do I start international trading? ›

Ask for international trade support.
  1. create an export plan.
  2. identify high-potential markets for your products.
  3. access free online lessons to build your knowledge of selling internationally.
  4. search and apply for live export opportunities.
  5. explore e-commerce options and support to sell online internationally, and.
Jan 1, 2024

What are the disadvantages of international trade? ›

It threatens the future of developing domestic industries. The country's emerging sectors risk failing due to overseas competition and unfettered imports. International trade frequently promotes enslavement and slavery. It threatens economic independence, putting political reliance at risk.

What are three international trades? ›

So, in this blog, we'll discuss the 3 different types of international trade – Export Trade, Import Trade and Entrepot Trade.

What are the 5 benefits of international trade? ›

10 Benefits of International Trade
  • Increased Revenues. ...
  • Decreased Competition. ...
  • Longer Product Lifespan. ...
  • Easier Cash-Flow Management. ...
  • Better Risk Management. ...
  • Benefiting from Currency Exchange. ...
  • Access to Export Financing. ...
  • Disposal of Surplus Goods.
Apr 21, 2023

What is the role of international investment? ›

International investing may help U.S. investors to spread their investment risk among foreign companies and markets in addition to U.S. companies and markets. Growth. International investing takes advantage of the potential for growth in some foreign economies, particularly in emerging markets.

What is the meaning of international investment position? ›

The International investment position (IIP) of a country is a financial statement of the value and composition of its external financial assets and liabilities.

Why international investing now? ›

Why international stocks are bargains now. Fidelity's Asset Allocation Research Team expects non-US stocks to outperform US stocks in the years ahead. That's because consumers in emerging market (EM) countries are forecast to be the major source of economic growth and profits for companies over the next 20 years.

What is the difference between international trade and international investment? ›

Foreign trade refers to the buying and selling of goods and services between countries. Foreign investment refers to the purchase of assets, such as stocks and real estate, in a foreign country by an individual or business.

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