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5 Best International ETFs to Buy in Q4 2025
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Emerging global markets have experienced significant growth in the last decade. In an increasingly globalised world, the majority of international services and products are integral to the global economy. International ETFs offer investors the opportunity to invest in companies worldwide with the best growth potential. This page offers our experts’ pick of the best international ETFs to invest in today.
What are the top international ETFs to buy?
Copy link to sectionOur analysts have selected five of the top ETFs for this year as displayed in the table below. Continue scrolling down the page to learn more about each.
| # | ETF symbol | ETF name | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | VEA | Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF | Learn more > |
| 2 | HEFA | iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF | Learn more > |
| 3 | IEFA | iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF | Learn more > |
| 4 | EFG | iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF | Learn more > |
| 5 | IDV | iShares International Select Dividend ETF | Learn more > |
1. Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (NYSEARCA: VEA)
Copy link to section- Current price: $49.59
- AUM: $194.60 billion
- Annual expense ratio: 0.06%
- YTD performance: 3.53%
- Annual dividend yield: 3.37%
The Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF offers a cost-effective way to invest in a broad spectrum of developed market stocks, excluding the U.S. This ETF aims to replicate the performance of the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index, which encompasses nearly 4,000 large-, mid-, and small-cap companies across Canada, Europe, and the Pacific region.
With a low expense ratio of just 0.06%, VEA is a highly efficient option for gaining international exposure. The ETF’s impressive dividend yield of 3.37% also adds to its appeal, providing a steady income stream alongside potential capital appreciation.
Geographically, VEA is heavily weighted towards Europe (54.70%) and the Pacific region (35.20%), with notable holdings in countries like Japan (21.2%) and the United Kingdom (13.1%).
In terms of portfolio characteristics, VEA maintains a median market cap of $42.4 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.6x, aligning closely with its benchmark. The fund’s turnover rate is remarkably low at 2.7%, indicating a stable portfolio composition with minimal trading costs.
2. iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (BATS: HEFA)
Copy link to section- Current price: $35.64
- AUM: $6.49 billion
- Annual expense ratio: 0.35%
- YTD performance: 13.12%
- Annual dividend yield: 2.68%
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF offers investors a unique approach to international exposure by mitigating currency risk. This fund tracks the MSCI EAFE 100% Hedged to USD Index, providing exposure to large- and mid-cap equities across Europe, Australasia, and the Far East.
The hedging strategy neutralizes currency fluctuations, ensuring that investors receive a pure equity return without the added volatility from foreign exchange movements.
HEFA stands out for its strategic use of currency forwards to hedge against the U.S. dollar. This is particularly beneficial for those looking to reduce the impact of foreign currency depreciation on their returns.
By holding the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) and simultaneously shorting currency forward contracts, HEFA delivers a more stable performance that is closely aligned with its underlying equity assets.
3. iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (BATS: IEFA)
Copy link to section- Current price: $73.04
- AUM: $116.03 billion
- Annual expense ratio: 0.07%
- YTD performance: 3.82%
- Annual dividend yield: 3.12%
iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF provides broad exposure to developed markets outside the U.S. and Canada, encompassing over 2,700 large-, mid-, and small-cap stocks. Launched as a cost-effective alternative to its predecessor, iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEARCA: EFA), IEFA targets long-term investors seeking diversified international equity exposure.
IEFA’s expansive portfolio includes significant holdings in Europe and Asia, with notable allocations in healthcare, consumer staples, and industrial sectors. This diversification across various industries and geographies aims to mitigate risk while capitalizing on growth opportunities in developed markets. The ETF’s low expense ratio further enhances its attractiveness for cost-conscious investors.
One standout feature of IEFA is its inclusion of smaller-cap stocks, which are often overlooked by other funds. This broader market coverage provides a more comprehensive representation of the international developed markets.
4. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (BATS: EFG)
Copy link to section- Current price: $103.13
- AUM: $14.57 billion
- Annual expense ratio: 0.36%
- YTD performance: 6.48%
- Annual dividend yield: 1.51%
iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF targets growth stocks within developed markets outside the U.S. and Canada, providing a focused approach for investors seeking higher growth potential. EFG tracks the MSCI EAFE Growth Index, which selects stocks based on growth characteristics like higher earnings growth rates and lower dividend yields.
EFG’s diversified portfolio includes 371 holdings, spread across various regions and sectors. The top holdings feature notable names such as Novo Nordisk and ASML, highlighting the ETF’s strong presence in the healthcare and technology sectors. The fund’s sector composition is diverse, with industrials, healthcare, and consumer discretionary stocks taking prominent positions.
The ETF’s performance is bolstered by its strategic focus on growth stocks, which often have higher valuation multiples and robust earnings prospects. EFG’s lower standard deviation and beta indicate a balanced risk profile compared to more volatile growth-oriented funds.
5. iShares International Select Dividend ETF (BATS: IDV)
Copy link to section- Current price: $27.85
- AUM: $4.00 billion
- Annual expense ratio: 0.51%
- YTD performance: -0.5%
- Annual dividend yield: 6.59%
iShares International Select Dividend ETF offers a distinctive approach by focusing on high-dividend-paying companies from developed markets outside the U.S. This strategy emphasizes value-oriented sectors and provides investors with a robust income stream, with an impressive annual dividend yield of 6.59%.
IDV tracks the Dow Jones EPAC Select Dividend Index, targeting established companies with consistent dividend payouts. Unlike broader international ETFs, IDV includes exposure to Canadian stocks, adding a layer of diversification often missing in similar funds.
This geographic inclusion, combined with its sectoral focus on financials, utilities, and communication, provides a unique investment mix. Major holdings like British American Tobacco, BHP Group, and TotalEnergies highlight the ETF’s tilt towards stable, high-yield industries.
For investors seeking reliable income and value-oriented international exposure, IDV stands out. Its portfolio of 100 holdings, featuring top firms from the UK, Italy, and Spain, offers a balanced approach with a lower equity beta of 0.76, providing less volatility compared to the broader market.
Where to buy the best international ETFs
Copy link to sectionYou must register with an online broker in order to get an ETF. ETFs are like individual stocks, so you can buy or sell them as you wish. The table below features our selection of the best brokers that offer international ETFs.
Plus500
CFD service. 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
This information is NOT relevant to EU residents who are to be serviced by EU subsidiaries of the Plus500 Group, such as Plus500CY Ltd, authorised by CySEC (Reg. 250/14). Different regulatory requirements apply in Europe such as leverage limitations and bonus restrictions.
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What is an international ETF?
Copy link to sectionFor the purpose of this page, it is an Exchange Traded Fund that focuses on stocks of companies located in countries other than the United States and the United Kingdom. This page has predominantly focused on ETFs with holdings in emerging markets (i.e. Asia, Africa) and Europe.
Foreign markets are hubs for trade and growth. Global companies are growing, and there is scope for mature returns over the long term. Therefore, investors can tap into great value-adds for their portfolio by investing in international ETFs.
Are international ETFs a good investment?
Copy link to sectionWith increasing globalisation and the pace of growth in emerging markets, we live in the era of the global economy. We are increasingly more reliant on national economies for trade and development across sectors.
International companies often not only have proven track records, but they also offer long term investors with a degree of speculative growth that is reassuring for their investment. Growth investors can gain exposure to unpredictable returns by investing in international ETFs and here are the best platforms to do so.
High reward is often correlated with high risk, and consequently you must do your own due diligence. It is key to stay up to date with the latest news and developments in order to best place an investment, you can do so by following the links below.
Methodology: How we choose the best international ETFs
Copy link to sectionAt Invezz, we are dedicated to helping investors make informed decisions by providing authoritative, accessible, and engaging advice and recommendations. Our curated section of the best Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) is carefully selected by our team of experienced market analysts and reviewed by a sub-editor. This methodology outlines the rigorous process we follow to ensure our ETF recommendations are up-to-date, reliable, and insightful.
- Analyst research & recommendations: Our seasoned market analysts use their in-depth sector knowledge to identify ETFs with strong potential, ensuring they meet high standards of performance, liquidity, and market potential.
- ETF evaluation: We evaluate ETFs based on their underlying assets, historical performance, expense ratios, and tracking accuracy, alongside macroeconomic factors and sector trends.
- Fund performance reports: We assess ETFs through the latest performance reports, analyzing key metrics like returns, volatility, expense ratios, and assets under management (AUM).
- Sector analysis and external recommendations: Our detailed sector analysis, combined with recommendations from reputable sources like Barron’s and Zacks, provides an additional layer of validation for our selections.
- Quarterly review & refresh: We update our curated ETF list quarterly, re-evaluating each ETF based on the latest reports, industry developments, and market conditions to ensure our recommendations reflect the most current information available.