As recently reported by Bloomberg, eight of the world's 10 best-performing stock markets in 2025 are in Europe. That includes Germany's DAX Index, which has rallied more than 30% in dollar terms. Other top-performing stock markets have been located in Slovenia, Poland, Greece, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain, and Austria.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 Index is beating the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) by a record 18 percentage points in dollars. According to Bloomberg, this has been driven by Germany's historic fiscal spending plans and a stronger euro. Investors are turning away from US markets amid tariff concerns and fiscal debt, and turning to European markets.

The S&P 500 rebounded in May, but remains well behind several European markets. 

The good news for ASX investors looking to buy European stocks is that there are several European-focused ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Here are two to consider.

Betashares Europe Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: HEUR)

The Betashares Europe Currency Hedged ETF provides exposure to Europe's largest companies that generate a substantial portion of their revenues outside the Eurozone. There are currently 126 companies in this ETF, providing substantial diversification. One advantage of this ETF for ASX investors is that it includes several sectors that are underrepresented on the ASX. For example, 21% of the fund is in the industrials sector. This ETF is also currency hedged, reducing currency risk for ASX investors.

For a management expense of 0.56%, investors own companies from countries that Bloomberg listed as home to the top-performing stock markets for the year to date. As of 30 May, 34% of the investments were located in Germany, 27% in France, 11% in the Netherlands, and 9% in Spain. 

The HEUR ETF is up 12% for the year to date. This significantly outperforms the iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV), which is down 4% over the same time frame.

Global X EURO STOXX 50 ETF (ASX: ESTX)

Another option to consider is the Global X EURO STOXX 50 ETF. For a management expense of 0.35%, this ETF provides exposure to 50 of the largest and most liquid companies in the Eurozone. 

As of 30 April, 38% of the investments were listed in France, 29% in Germany, 13% in the Netherlands, and 9% in Spain. 

For the year to date, the ESTX ETF is up 18%, substantially outperforming both the HEUR ETF and the IVV ETF.

The post Why it could be time to buy European-focused ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's according to Janus Henderson Group CDI (ASX: JHG)'s latest Global Dividend Index.

Sadly, ASX investors might be scratching their heads right about now. If you're among those who didn't notice a substantial increase in your dividend income during the February reporting season, you're not alone.

ASX dividends slump amid surging global payouts

Australia lagged the world when it came to dividend growth last quarter, with ASX shares offering 6.6% less in the way of passive income on a headline basis – just $27.9 billion.

And Janus Henderson previously warned Aussies such a happening could occur.

This time last year the asset manager pointed to "Australia's high level of dividend concentration", saying it leaves the nation dependent on a handful of companies for dividends. Many of those call the mining sector home.

In its latest release, Janus Henderson commented:

The end of the recent mining boom is seeing payouts in the sector normalise, bringing first-quarter cuts.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) was to blame for much of the drop in Aussie payouts. The iron ore giant, and ASX's largest company by market cap, slashed its interim dividend by 40%.

Though, the company was still the second-largest dividend payer in the world last quarter – down from the top spot in the prior period.

Fellow mining giants Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) also cut their recent offerings by 13% and 46% respectively.

How might ASX investors have gotten a slice of growing payouts?

But not all Aussie investors missed out on the global dividend growth. Those boasting geographically diverse portfolios likely benefited.

The 12% lift in dividends around the world last quarter was led by three markets. Emerging markets saw dividends grow 22.5%, Europe (excluding the UK) boasted a whopping 36% of dividend growth, and Japan saw offerings increase 17.7%.

And getting exposure to those regions needn't be difficult. Plenty of ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer just that.

For instance, an investor keen to get a grip on emerging markets might turn to the Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets Shares ETF (ASX: VGE).

Another wishing to hold a slice of European markets, without the UK, might find what they're looking for in the Betashares Europe ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: HEUR).

Finally, ASX ETFs aiming to mirror the performance of the Japanese stock market include the iShares MSCI Japan ETF AUD (ASX: IJP).

Looking for broader exposure to international dividends?

Well, perhaps the Betashares Global Income Leaders ETF (ASX: INCM) might be more to your taste.

The fund tracks 100 high-yielding companies listed outside of Australia.

Of those, 64% are listed in the United States – where dividends grew by 8.3% on a headline basis last quarter to a record US$153.4 billion, Janus Henderson found.

The post Global dividends jumped 12% in the first quarter of 2023. Are you getting your share? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.