Picture this.
You’re standing inside a giant candy store — except instead of sweets, every shelf is stacked with international ETFs.
Emerging markets.
Europe.
Asia-Pacific.
Dividend giants.
Growth monsters.
Thousands of choices.
Now imagine this twist:
👉 You can only pick three.
Your entire global diversification, your exposure beyond the US, your long-term financial future — all depend on this decision.
Most investors freeze right here.
Too many options.
Too much noise.
Too much “expert” advice pointing in different directions.
So instead of guessing, I did what most people don’t do.
I went straight to the source.
I pulled verified data directly from Vanguard and BlackRock. No hype. No sponsorships. Just numbers. And by the end of this article, you’ll know:
The three international ETFs that actually matter
Why international investing is no longer optional
And which single ETF I’d choose if I had no second chance
The Brutal Truth About “US-Only” Investing 🇺🇸❌
Here’s a fact that still shocks people:
👉 The US stock market represents only ~60% of global market capitalization.
That means if you’re investing only in US stocks, you’re ignoring 40% of the world’s opportunities.
That’s like:
Playing chess with half the board missing
Running a marathon on one leg
Trying to win globally… while thinking locally
Some of the world’s most powerful companies aren’t American at all:
TSMC — the brains behind your iPhone chips
Tencent — dominating China’s digital ecosystem
SAP — powering European enterprise software
ASML — the company that literally enables advanced semiconductors
These are global titans — and US-only portfolios miss them completely.
The 3 International ETFs That Survived My Filter 🥊
After filtering by size, cost, performance, liquidity, and real-world investability, only three ETFs made it into my final arena.
No gimmicks. No fluff. Just institutional-grade funds.
🥇 1. VXUS — Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
The Diversification Monster
Assets under management: ~$55B
Holdings: 8,600+ stocks
Expense ratio: 0.05%
YTD performance: ~24%
VXUS is the heavyweight champion.
Nearly 9,000 companies across dozens of countries — from mega caps to hidden mid-cap gems. Tight spreads. Excellent tracking. Rock-solid stability.
If your goal is maximum global exposure with zero drama, VXUS delivers.
🥈 2. VEU — Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF
The Cost Assassin
Assets: ~$68B
Holdings: ~3,800 stocks
Expense ratio: 🔥 0.04%
YTD performance: ~23.9%
VEU is what happens when Vanguard goes full efficiency mode.
That 0.04% expense ratio might look tiny — but over 30 years, it can mean thousands of dollars staying in your account instead of fund company profits.
Minimalist. Efficient. Ruthlessly effective.
🥉 3. IXUS — iShares Core MSCI Total International ETF
The Income Engine
Assets: ~$48B
Holdings: ~4,200 stocks
Expense ratio: 0.07%
Dividend yield: ~3.08%
YTD performance: ~22.3%
IXUS adds something the others don’t: meaningful cash flow.
A 3%+ yield means:
~$3,000 annually on a $100,000 investment
Paid out twice a year
Perfect for retirees or income-focused investors
You get growth and income — a powerful combo.
Head-to-Head: What Actually Matters 🧠
Size & Stability:
VXUS dominates — but all three are institution-grade.
Cost Efficiency:
VEU wins. That 0.04% is nearly unbeatable.
Income:
IXUS shines. No contest here.
Performance:
All three crushed it this year — proof that international markets are quietly outperforming while many US investors aren’t even looking.
My Real Strategy (And the ETF I’d Choose If Forced) 🎯
Here’s my honest take.
I don’t pick just one — I combine them.
My Core-Satellite Approach:
60% VEU → ultra-low cost core
25% VXUS → maximum diversification
15% IXUS → dividend income & balance
But let’s make it dramatic.
If I had no choice.
If I had to pick only ONE international ETF for the next 20 years…
👉 I’d choose VEU.
Why?
Because cost compounds relentlessly.
Because 3,800+ holdings is more than enough diversification.
Because Vanguard’s consistency lets me sleep at night.
Over decades, that tiny cost advantage can easily become RM20,000–RM40,000+ more in your portfolio.
Ready to Buy International ETFs? Do It the Smart Way 🚀
If you’re serious about investing in international ETFs like VXUS, VEU, or IXUS, you need a broker that gives you:
✅ Access to US markets
✅ Low fees
✅ Powerful charts & data
✅ Beginner-friendly interface
That’s why many global investors are using moomoo.
👉 Open a moomoo account here:
🔗 https://j.moomoo.com/0xFRE4
With moomoo, you can:
Buy US & global ETFs easily
Track performance in real time
Analyze funds like a pro — even as a beginner
Don’t keep your portfolio trapped in one country while the world keeps growing.
Final Thought 🌍
Investing isn’t about picking the hottest market.
It’s about owning the world, staying consistent, and letting compounding do the heavy lifting.
Think global.
Invest smart.
Your future self will thank you.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always do your own research or consult a licensed financial adviser before investing.
