Topic: How To Invest

ISHARES MSCI GERMANY FUND $29.36 – New York Exchange symbol EWG

ISHARES MSCI GERMANY FUND $29.36 (New York Exchange symbol EWG; buy or sell through brokers) tracks the stocks in the MSCI Germany Index. This index aims to replicate 85% of the German stock market’s market capitalization. The remaining 15% is unavailable for investment, partly due to limitations on foreign ownership.

The ETF’s top holdings are Bayer (diversified chemicals), 9.3%; Siemens (engineering conglomerate), 8.4%; BASF (chemicals), 8.0%; Daimler (autos), 6.6%; Allianz (insurance), 6.6%; SAP (software), 6.0%; Deutsche Telekom, 4.0%; BMW, 3.3%; and Volkswagen AG, 3.1%.

The fund’s industry breakdown includes: Consumer Discretionary, 21.7%; Financials, 16.1%, Materials, 14.6%; Industrials, 13.7%; Information Technology, 7.0%; Utilities, 4.9%; Telecommunication Services, 4.4%; Health Care, 4.1%; and Consumer Staples, 3.8%.

The fund was launched on March 12, 1996. Its expense ratio is 0.47%.

Weak European markets have slowed the German economy’s growth this year. As well, sanctions against Russia are hurting German companies with a significant number of Russian customers. However, the low euro is a big plus for German exports to other countries, and the long-term outlook for the country’s economy is sound.

iShares MSCI Germany Fund is a buy.

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