Despite the historical underperformance of international stocks compared to U.S. stocks, several catalysts suggest a shift in favor of international markets. These include weakening U.S. growth, policy uncertainty, European fiscal stimulus, a challenged U.S. dollar, and a mixed picture in the U.S. tech sector. The author explores the intriguing possibility that international markets, once seen as less appealing, may now offer both benefits and attractive returns.
International stocks have historically underperformed U.S. stocks for 15 years.
Valuations alone are not sufficient; catalysts are needed for market performance.
Five catalysts are identified: U.S. economic conditions due to tariffs, U.S. policy uncertainty, European fiscal stimulus, U.S. dollar weakness, and the mixed performance of U.S. tech stocks.