Evan Frazier, CFA, CAIA
Senior Research Analyst
In recent years, international stocks have underperformed their domestic counterparts by a significant margin. Specifically, the MSCI ACWI ex-US index has compounded annual returns at just 3.3% over the last decade through the end of October, compared to an annualized return of 12.8% for the S&P 500 index. This current stretch marks the longest period of relative outperformance on a trailing 5-year basis for either index since the early 2000s.
This newsletter examines a host of factors that have contributed to this pattern of performance, including differences in composition between U.S. and international equity indices, currency movements, and geopolitics and analyzes the diversification benefits of international equity allocations within portfolios despite performance challenges.
Read > International Equities: Waitin’ on a Sunny Day
The opinions expressed herein are those of Marquette Associates, Inc. (“Marquette”), and are subject to change without notice. This material is not financial advice or an offer to purchase or sell any product. Marquette reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs.
04.13.2026
On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a sweeping set of tariffs on imports into the United States. Dubbed…
04.07.2026
On March 30, 2026, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued its proposed regulation: Fiduciary Duties in Selecting Designated Investment Alternatives….
04.02.2026
Please join Marquette’s research team for our 1Q 2026 Market Insights Webinar analyzing the first quarter across the economy and various…
04.01.2026
Fixed income is the largest global financial market and often one of the largest allocations within institutional investors’ portfolios. A…
03.23.2026
Global energy costs have risen sharply this month due to a convergence of geopolitical shocks, as critical infrastructure and transport…
03.02.2026
Recent market dynamics in the software sector reflect a sharp shift in investor sentiment driven primarily by concerns that advances…
Research alerts keep you updated on our latest research publications. Simply enter your contact information, choose the research alerts you would like to receive and click Subscribe. Alerts will be sent as research is published.
We respect your privacy. We will never share or sell your information.
If you have questions or need further information, please contact us directly and we will respond to your inquiry within 24 hours.
Contact Us >