New Zealand is small but economically strong

Article Excerpt

New Zealand has a small population and ranks outside of the world’s top 50 economies. Still, this leading democracy and developed nation is ranked among the world’s top 20 most-competitive economies. The country’s economy recovered quickly from the pandemic thanks to effective virus containment, measures to protect jobs and incomes, and stimulus spending. Now, like most highly developed nations, it faces high inflation—including soaring house prices—and as a result, rising interest rates. Still, the long-term outlook for New Zealand’s economy, and its stock market, is very attractive. ISHARES MSCI NEW ZEALAND ETF $50.01 (New York symbol ENZL; TSINetwork ETF Rating: Aggressive; Market Cap: $131.7 million) tracks the performance of a basket of New Zealand-listed companies. Healthcare accounts for 27% of its assets, while Utilities (25%), Industrials (16%), Telecommunications (11%), Consumer Defensive (6%), and Consumer Cyclicals (6%) are other key segments. The ETF holds a portfolio of 21 stocks. The top 10 holdings make up a high 71% of its assets. They are Fisher & Paykel Healthcare…