In 2025, international stocks have been performing well. However, investing in individual foreign stocks can be challenging. One way to navigate this is through international stock ETFs, which are exchange-traded funds that handle the research and investment in foreign stocks on your behalf.
When considering international ETFs, there are different types to choose from, such as global “ex-U.S.” ETFs, region-specific ETFs, and single-country ETFs. Below, we’ll explore the distinctions between these categories and highlight some of the top performers in each.
Top 7 best-performing ex-U.S. ETFs
Ex-U.S. ETFs are a broad category of international ETFs that invest in global stocks excluding American stocks. Here are the top seven ex-U.S. ETFs based on performance in the past year.
Bancreek International Large Cap ETF |
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Davis Select International ETF |
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Brandes International ETF |
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Xtrackers FTSE Developed ex US Multifactor ETF |
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Dimensional International Small Cap ETF |
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First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF |
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Avantis International Equity ETF |