EWW ETF

Investing in Mexico looks promising with iShares MSCI Mexico ETF, offering focused access to Mexican equities with a competitive 0.50% expense ratio. The EWW ETF's top five holdings, including Banorte and Walmart de Mexico, make up over 40% of assets, providing direct exposure but potential volatility. EWW's unique sector allocation, with a strong consumer staples focus, offers defensive qualities and stability compared to broader Latin American ETFs.

Political risk in Mexico has been exacerbated by the dominance of the Morena Party control and controversial constitutional reforms. Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Mexico is declining. Drug cartel violence and organized crime intrusion into the normal economy is disruptive to supply chains and public safety.

Downgraded from Buy to Sell due to further political risks from constitutional "reform" and a potential second Trump term. The Mexican market has seen a 10% weaker Peso and a 15% decline in the EWW during political uncertainty that can persist in the next 5 months. EWW's valuation appears cheap post-sell-off at 11x PE, but analysts' downgrades are likely on weaker FX and increased country risk as we head into the 2Q24 earnings.

iShares MSCI Mexico ETF has lost close to 9% of its value on a YTD basis, underperforming global markets. Recent election results and the ruling Morena party gaining a supermajority in the house may have negative implications for Mexican stocks. Mexico's high crime and corruption rates may limit nearshoring progress, and a potential shift towards populist programs, raise concerns about the fiscal position.

Claudia Sheinbaum secured over 60% of the vote. The scale of the victory rattled markets as investors worry about sweeping reforms. Election sell-offs are often a buying opportunity.

Exchange-traded funds that track Mexican equities were on track to suffer their biggest daily decline in nearly four years on Monday, after Claudia Sheinbaum's victory in Mexico's presidential election sparked investor concerns that her party's landslide win could lead to constitutional changes.

The Mexican opportunity set is diverse, and the iShares MSCI Mexico ETF is a low-cost option to gain exposure. EWW is well-diversified across large and mid-cap segments, as well as sectors, with a strong performance on a trailing 1-year basis. Key risks remain, including higher volatility than a standard EM allocation, and a US election where US/Mexico relations are likely to be front and center, the fund remains attractive, however.

Mexico benefits from China's trade dispute with the U.S. Is China still the world's manufacturer? How global trade is changing.

Hello! This is MarketWatch reporter Isabel Wang bringing you this week's ETF Wrap. In this week's edition, we look at some of the ETF sectors that were in spotlight during former President Donald Trump's presidency to see what a second term could mean for these funds.