Having introduced the subject of stock market indices (or “indexes”) last week, we are sharing more indices to increase understanding of various markets. We are not talking about “hot stocks.”  Indices are available to track sectors of our economy, as well as other individual countries’ markets. Some cover geographic areas, and yet others represent specific industries.

International markets are my focus today, as recent trends have favored non-U.S. stocks for the first time in a while. Since the world is a large and complex financial amalgamation, how can an individual investor take advantage of shifts in international markets? Actually, opportunities abound.

As investment managers, we engage a wide variety of resources to track market trends accurately and dependably. Individuals can access a wealth of free information through financial websites. We always advise caution when searching the Internet, as many unreliable sources are simply there to sell their pricey services to unwary consumers.

As we addressed last week, following the U.S. Stock Market is perhaps best accomplished using Exchange-Traded Funds, or ETFs. Whether broad or by narrow segments, each index is represented by one or more unique ETFs.

Measuring and representing world economies can be done using individual country market indices. A simple search turns up virtually every country any potential investor wants to consider. Tracking the entire world except the USA is accomplished using (among others) the ETF dubbed IXUS. While the year 2026 is young and cannot reliably be considered a long-term trend, so far IXUS has outperformed our total American stock tracking ETF named SPTM by 340%.

Due to the size and complexity of stock markets throughout the world, we look to actively managed Mutual Funds for our international component of client portfolios. Selecting a favorite fund (which means selecting a favorite fund manager), is key to the process. So long as that manager continues to provide outstanding results, we track the fund’s performance and remain loyal.

Understanding shifting investor preferences helps anyone “tweak” portfolio asset allocations to accommodate trends. As the old saying goes, “The trend is your friend.”

You, as investors, are free to “play the home game,” but many studies have shown that employing competent, credentialed, and experienced professionals increases long-term results considerably. Don’t fall for the misnomer “fee-based” advisor. Look for a fee-only fiduciary advisor. Strivus Wealth Partners can help you.