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International Equity Exposure

Posted on 5/4/15 at 9:03 pm
Posted by Joshjrn
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2008
26979 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 9:03 pm
In the short term, I plan on diversifying from 100% US equities to a having a substantial percentage in international equity. I've begun researching allocation recommendations, and have seen everything from 15% to 55%. So, I was wondering what you keep invested in international markets, and what your reason behind that allocation amount is.
Posted by Blue Horseshoe
Member since Dec 2014
57 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 9:38 pm to
30% of my portfolio is allocated to VXUS

When I considered my investment parameters (time frame, risk, etc.) I figured a 70/30 split between domestic and international markets would be ideal for my portfolio. I picked VXUS because it had a low expense ratio and good coverage of developed countries.
This post was edited on 5/4/15 at 9:41 pm
Posted by bayoubengals88
LA
Member since Sep 2007
18883 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 9:43 pm to
I prefer around 30% as well just because that's what I see when I read about allocation. My target retirement fund just happens to include about 30% international.
Posted by Joshjrn
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2008
26979 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 9:46 pm to
You guys are bad for my mental wellbeing. I was leaning towards 30%, but feel like we can't all be right
Posted by Sigma
Fairhope, AL
Member since Dec 2005
3643 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 9:49 pm to
A couple of months ago Vanguard increased the international exposure in its Target Retirement and LifeStrategy funds.

I guess you are in good company.
Posted by Blue Horseshoe
Member since Dec 2014
57 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 9:51 pm to
It all depends on your risk tolerance. 30% of your overall portfolio is a decent amount of international exposure.

Keep in mind that you can allocate your international positions. i.e. more heavily weighted to emerging countries than developed countries.

If you want an easy, set it and forget it investment I recommend VXUS, or its mutual fund counterpart.
Posted by That's BS
Smoothie King Center
Member since Jan 2012
1783 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 9:52 pm to
I'm only at about 10% but want to increase it to about 20-25%. The main reason I'm so low is that my 457 plan at work (by far my biggest account) doesn't have many good options for foreign investments. There are 4 options in their international/global funds, and 2 of them are global funds that are about 50% domestic each. Kinda defeats the purpose.
Posted by Joshjrn
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2008
26979 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 10:00 pm to
I'm currently leaning towards going 30% into VWIGX. LINK
Posted by Blue Horseshoe
Member since Dec 2014
57 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 10:04 pm to
Nothing against your decision, but whats your reasoning behind VWIGX?
Posted by white perch
the bright, happy side of hell
Member since Apr 2012
7122 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 10:06 pm to
I have about 20% of my IRA in VWIGX
Posted by Teddy Ruxpin
Member since Oct 2006
39553 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 10:09 pm to
I've been 60/40 since Day 1.

However my opinion means nothing
Posted by Joshjrn
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2008
26979 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 10:09 pm to
Currently 100% in VTSAX, which is obviously fairly conservative position, so a growth focus isn't overly dangerous. Further, VWIGX has a strong historical return, a decent split of stable and emerging markets, 177 holdings for healthy diversification, and has a lower cost admiral share fund when I get to that point.
This post was edited on 5/4/15 at 10:23 pm
Posted by bayoubengals88
LA
Member since Sep 2007
18883 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 10:12 pm to
Interesting. Two recent IPOs in the top 5 of its holdings.
Posted by Joshjrn
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2008
26979 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 10:12 pm to
Hey, any man who goes as far down the credit card rabbit hole as you have deserves more credit than you seem to afford yourself
Posted by Blue Horseshoe
Member since Dec 2014
57 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 10:17 pm to
I'm currently comparing VTSAX to VWIGX on Vanguard's website right now, but for some reason the Top 5 Countries section isn't populating.. Do you know what the geographic allocation is for VWIGX?
This post was edited on 5/4/15 at 10:18 pm
Posted by Joshjrn
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2008
26979 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 10:19 pm to

15.20% Emerging Markets

54.10% Europe

21.00% Pacific

1.00% Middle East

4.40% North America

4.30% Other

Country split:

United Kingdom 14.5%
Japan 12.3%
China 7.1%
France 6.5%
Spain 5.8%
Sweden 5.8%
Germany 5.7%
Switzerland 5.7%
Italy 5.1%
Hong Kong 4.8%
Other 4.3%
India 2.6%
United States 2.5%
Canada 2.0%
Korea 2.0%
Denmark 1.8%
Australia 1.4%
Norway 1.3%
Taiwan 1.2%
Israel 1.0%
Brazil 0.8%
Ireland 0.9%
Peru 0.8%
Thailand 0.7%
Finland 0.6%
Mexico 0.3%
Russia 0.5%
Turkey 0.5%
Singapore 0.4%
Indonesia 0.3%
Netherlands 0.3%
Portugal 0.2%
Chile 0.2%
South Africa 0.1%

If the link works: LINK

This post was edited on 5/4/15 at 10:21 pm
Posted by Blue Horseshoe
Member since Dec 2014
57 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 10:25 pm to
From what I have briefly reviewed, it seems like a decent fund. The turnover rate is higher than most, and that could reduce returns.

If you like the fund, you should invest. I am by no means an expert so as always, do your homework.
Posted by Teddy Ruxpin
Member since Oct 2006
39553 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 10:25 pm to


I actually sliced and diced a bit using VTI (60), VEA (20), VWO(10), and VSS(10). I kinda also mess around with the REIT ETF(VNQ) since I like to explore passive income streams to supplement income. Don't know if I'll keep it or simplify. I look at it as little harm, little foul.

I run my wife's more simply at 60/40 VTI and VXUS.

Probably better really. I'll compare when I have enough data.
This post was edited on 5/4/15 at 10:27 pm
Posted by Joshjrn
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2008
26979 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 10:32 pm to
quote:

From what I have briefly reviewed, it seems like a decent fund. The turnover rate is higher than most, and that could reduce returns.

If you like the fund, you should invest. I am by no means an expert so as always, do your homework.



I did notice the turnover, which initially gave me pause coming from a position of 100% index. However, 20% isn't bad for a moderately managed fund, and 1% short-term reserve is acceptable to me.
Posted by Blue Horseshoe
Member since Dec 2014
57 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 10:35 pm to
quote:

I did notice the turnover, which initially gave me pause coming from a position of 100% index.


Blue Horseshoe loves index funds.
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