VGK ETF

The VGK ETF, which broadly covers the EU economy and its domestic multinational companies, is a good candidate to be the worst-performing regional ETF next year. Europe is facing another potential energy crisis, based on recent natural gas storage level data, as well as other issues, such as negative supply security developments. The resulting economic crisis can be made much worse, by rising economic frictions with its two main trade and business partners, namely China & the US.

I maintain a buy rating on the Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) due to its modest valuation, rising earnings estimates, and solid chart performance. Despite macroeconomic concerns, global EPS forecasts, including those for EAFE and Europe, are on the rise, lowering the P/E ratio for ex-US equities. VGK's diversified portfolio, high yield, and favorable sector allocation make it appealing for both near-term traders and long-term value investors.

Europe has underperformed US markets since 2008, second only to Emerging Markets. Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF offers low-cost exposure to European equities, tracking the FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index. VGK is diverse by country and holdings, with sector composition dominated by Industrials, Financials, and Health Care. No clear advantage over iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (IEUR).

Capitalize on Euro ETFs as the ECB goes ahead with a rate cut to bring down the interest rates from the all-time high of 4%.

On Thursday, the European Central Bank (ECB) delivered a 25 basis point policy rate cut. By contrast, the Federal Reserve (Fed) is set to keep rates on hold at its meeting this month.

As widely expected, the European Central Bank (ECB) cut its key policy rates for the first time in five years. The interest rate on the main refinancing operations, the marginal lending facility, and the deposit facility were each lowered by 25 basis points to 4.25%, 4.5%, and 3.75%, respectively.

Vanguard Europe ETF provides affordable access to a diverse and stable portfolio of 1300 European securities. The growth potential of Europe appears unattractive, and projected rate cuts are likely to impact NII growth for European banks with a stagnant outlook for FY24. Although VGK's valuation is attractive, investors should take into account the region's below-average earnings growth.

European stocks have lower price-to-earnings ratios compared to US large caps, and European equities' momentum has improved. The Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF is recommended for its compelling valuation, low cost, high liquidity, and improved technicals. VGK's portfolio is heavily weighted towards large caps, with a sector composition that differs from the S&P 500.