Tap Asia’s coming growth with these ETFs

Article Excerpt

All of the major global stock markets are down in the wake of COVID-19’s spread. But we think the worst is over for many stocks, and one way to profit, while at the same time cutting your risk, is to invest in ETFs. Here’s a look at two international funds that we believe are well-suited for your new buying. ISHARES MSCI JAPAN INDEX FUND $56.89 (New York symbol EWJ; buy or sell through brokers; us.ishares.com) is an ETF that tries to match the return of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Japan Index. The fund’s top holdings include Toyota, 4.0%; Sony Corp., 2.4%; Keyence (sensors), 2.2%; Softbank, 2.1%; Takeda Pharma, 1.8%; Daiichi Sankyo (pharmaceuticals), 1.6%; Mitsubishi UFJ Financial, 1.5%; KDDI (telecom), 1.4%; Nintendo, 1.3%; and Recruit Holdings (human resources), 1.3%. The ETF’s MER is a relatively low 0.49%. Japan’s economy will contract this year, as the COVID-19 crisis restricts activity and reduces overseas demand for Japanese exports. The pandemic has already led to the postponement of…