US stocks have been a popular choice among investors, and it’s easy to see why. They often dominate market headlines and have delivered strong performance in recent years. In fact, US stocks make up about 60% of the global equity market. While they’re an essential part of any investment strategy—reflected in our ByBot Pro portfolios, where they can constitute up to 59% of the recommended allocation depending on your risk profile—it’s equally important to consider foreign stocks to achieve global diversification.
As a US-based investor, it can be tempting to focus solely on domestic stocks due to their familiarity, a tendency known as home country bias. However, this approach might not be the most prudent. At ByBot Pro, we believe in the value of broad diversification, which includes investing in both foreign developed stocks and emerging market stocks. Here’s why global exposure matters.
US Stocks Don’t Always Outperform Foreign Stocks
It’s a common misconception that US stocks consistently outperform their foreign counterparts. Historical data tells a different story. A 2023 analysis by BlackRock revealed that international stocks outperformed US stocks in over 40% of 10-year rolling periods between March 1986 and December 2022.
For example, between 2000 and 2010, emerging market stocks achieved an annualized pre-tax return of 18.5%, compared to just 4.1% for US stocks. This isn’t just a one-off; emerging markets are typically more volatile, which often translates to higher potential returns. Even foreign developed stocks have outpaced US stocks at times, underscoring the unpredictability of market performance.
At ByBot Pro, we recognize the challenges in predicting which asset classes will lead in the short term. This unpredictability reinforces the importance of diversifying across regions, increasing your chances of having strong performers in your portfolio.
Foreign Stocks Are Currently Cheaper Than US Stocks
Another compelling reason to include foreign stocks in your portfolio is their current relative value. As of December 31, 2023, the price-to-earnings (PE) ratios for foreign stocks were significantly lower than those of US stocks. For instance, the Vanguard Total US Stock Market ETF had a PE ratio of 22.9, compared to 13.3 for the Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF and 7.8 for the Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund.
These figures suggest that foreign stocks offer more value for each dollar of earnings, presenting an opportunity for investors looking to buy at a lower cost. While we don’t advocate for market timing, understanding these valuation differences can help you make more informed decisions.
Diversification Matters
Investing always involves some degree of uncertainty, but diversification is a key strategy for managing risk. By holding a mix of US and foreign stocks, you can reduce the impact of regional volatility on your portfolio. For example, if US stocks are hit by negative economic news, foreign stocks might not be affected in the same way, helping to stabilize your overall investment.
At ByBot Pro, we believe that both US and foreign stocks have a place in a well-diversified portfolio. Diversification can help improve your risk-adjusted returns, making it a cornerstone of our investment philosophy.
Key Takeaways for ByBot Pro Investors
- US stocks have had strong performance recently, but they don’t always outperform foreign stocks.
- Foreign stocks are currently less expensive, offering more value per dollar of earnings.
- Diversification is crucial, and including foreign stocks can enhance your portfolio’s risk-adjusted returns.
Whether you’re new to investing or looking to refine your strategy, ByBot Pro is here to help you build a diversified portfolio that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Explore our range of investment options, including portfolios that integrate both US and foreign stocks, and take the next step toward a well-rounded financial future.