Exports decide this German ETF’s success

Article Excerpt

The German economy is still the largest in Europe and ranks among the top-five globally. However, in the near term, it faces challenges as its all-important export industry deals with the U.K.’s threat to leave the European Union without a trade deal. It also faces slowing demand for its products in China and elsewhere. Here is one ETF that provides exposure to the top public companies in Germany. ISHARES MSCI GERMANY ETF $27.24 (New York symbol EWG; TSI Network ETF Rating: Aggressive; Market cap: $2.0 billion) invests in publicly listed German companies. Financial companies account for 19.9% of its assets, while Consumer Cyclicals (18.1%), Industrials (14.4%), Technology (12.6%), Basic Materials (12.3%), and Healthcare (11.5%) are other key segments. The ETF holds a portfolio of 65 stocks; the top 10 make up 55% of its assets. Top holdings include SAP SE (technology; 10.2%), Allianz (financial services, 8.2%), Siemens AG (industrials, 6.6%), Bayer (healthcare, 6.0%), BASF (basic materials, 5.2%), Deutsche Telecom (communications; 4.8%), Adidas AG…