Last week I covered the best performing ASX ETFs from providers Vanguard and Betashares.
Today, let's look at some of the best performing funds managed by iShares.
iShares is the exchange-traded fund (ETF) brand owned by BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager.
In the context of the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), iShares offers a range of ETFs that provide Australian investors with access to local and global markets.
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iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares China Large-Cap ETF (ASX: IZZ)
As the name suggests, this fund is designed to measure the performance of 50 of the largest and most liquid Chinese companies which trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Its largest holdings are Tencent Holdings (8.69% weighting) and Xiaomi Corp (8.5%).
In the last year, the fund has risen an impressive 41.01%.
This fund could suit investors seeking direct exposure to China's large-cap companies without picking individual stocks, particularly those who believe in China's long-term growth and expanding middle class.
It could be ideal for diversifying a global or Australian portfolio with an emerging markets tilt, provided the investor is comfortable with the regulatory and political risks associated with Chinese equities.
iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Europe ETF (ASX: IEU)
Many Australian investors may not be aware that European focussed ETFs such as IEU outpaced the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) over the last year.
The IEU fund tracks the performance of the S&P Europe 350 from 16 major developed European markets.
In the past year it has grown 16.32%.
Its largest geographical exposure is to the United Kingdom (23.13%), France (16.8%), Germany (15.49%) and Switzerland (14.3%).
It could suit investors seeking to diversify their portfolio internationally with relatively stable, mature markets, and who believe in the long-term strength of European industrials, financials, and consumer companies.
iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (ASX: IVE)
This fund has a diverse portfolio with a broad range of companies in Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Far East.
None of the holdings make up more than 2% of the fund, with the largest exposure being to the financial and industrials sectors.
It is up 13.40% over the last year.
It could benefit investors aiming to diversify beyond Australia and the U.S., while staying within the relative stability of developed markets.
