21 Best-Performing International ETFs

21 Best-Performing International ETFs: Ex-U.S., Regional and Single-Country

International ETFs can provide an easy way to diversify outside the U.S. Here are the best-performing ex-U.S., regional and single-country ETFs over the last year.

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Updated Jul 1, 2026 · 1 min read Written by Lead Writer + more + more Edited by Managing Editor International stocks had a big year in 2025, far surpassing the S&P 500's 16% gain. But if you're looking to gain international exposure, buying individual stocks from other countries isn’t always easy. One potentially better option (considering the diversification you'll get) is an international stock ETF — an exchange-traded fund that does the work of researching and investing in foreign stocks for you. But what kind of international ETF may be best for you? They come in a few different varieties, including global “ex-U.S.” ETFs, continent-specific or regional ETFs, and single-country ETFs. Below, we’re taking a look at the differences between these categories and some of the best performers from each. News update: The outbreak of armed conflict in late February 2026 between Israel, Iran, the Gulf Arab states and the U.S. has raised energy prices and caused volatility in many international ETFs. See NerdWallet's article on how war in the Middle East is moving markets to learn more. News update: The outbreak of armed conflict in late February 2026 between Israel, Iran, the Gulf Arab states and the U.S. has raised energy prices and caused volatility in many international ETFs. See NerdWallet's article on how war in the Middle East is moving markets to learn more. News update:

Top 7 best-performing ex-U.S. ETFs

Ex-U.S. ETFs are the broadest category of international ETFs — they’re funds that invest in global stocks, but exclude American stocks, hence “ex-U.S.” Below are the seven best-performing ex-U.S. ETFs in the last year. The best-performing broad Ex-U.S. ETF by one-year return is Nomura Focused Emerging Markets Equity ETF (EMEQ), which is up 143.65%. Ticker Company Return 1 Year EMEQ Nomura Focused Emerging Markets Equity ETF 143.65% AIA iShares Asia 50 ETF 77.89% KEMX KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF 68.97% PEMX Putnam Emerging Markets ex-China ETF 66.58% EMXC IShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF 66.56% MEMX Matthews Emerging Markets ex China Active ETF 61.33% XCEM Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF 60.60% Source: Finviz. Data is current as of July 1, 2026, and is intended for informational purposes only. Make sense of the markets with The Nerdy Investor A weekly wrap on what's moving markets, plus two monthly deep-dives on how to improve your investing, straight to your inbox. Subscribe for free

Top 7 best-performing regional ETFs

Regional ETFs invest in stocks from a specific grouping of countries, such as Latin America. Many invest in stocks from a specific continent, such as Africa, Asia or Europe. Below are the seven best-performing regional ETFs in terms of one-year returns. The best-performing regional ETF by one-year return is iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA), which is up 77.89%. Ticker Company Return 1 Year AIA iShares Asia 50 ETF 77.89% EEMA iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF 43.77% ILF iShares Latin America 40 ETF 35.84% FLLA Franklin FTSE Latin America ETF 30.90% AFK VanEck Africa Index ETF 29.19% ASEA Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF 25.51% IPAC iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF 24.31% Source: Finviz. Data is current as of July 1, 2026, and is intended for informational purposes only.

Top 7 best-performing single-country ETFs

Then there are single-country ETFs, which, as their name implies, exclusively invest in stocks from a specific non-U.S. country. Below are the seven single-country ETFs with the highest one-year returns. The best-performing single-country ETF by one-year return is iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY), which is up 191.82%. Ticker Company Return 1 Year EWY iShares MSCI South Korea ETF 191.82% FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF 186.42% MKOR Matthews Korea Active ETF 146.06% FLTW Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF 105.74% EWT iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF 96.37% MCHS Matthews China Innovators Active ETF 89.70% EPU iShares MSCI Peru and Global Exposure ETF 75.76% Source: Finviz. Data is current as of July 1, 2026, and is intended for informational purposes only. » MORE: Best online brokers for ETFs » MORE: The author held shares in AFK at the time of last update. The author held shares in AFK at the time of last update. About the author Sam Taube Sam Taube writes about investing for NerdWallet. He has covered investing and financial news since earning his economics degree in 2016. See full bio. Helpful resources Index Funds vs. Mutual Funds: The Differences That Matter Best Mutual Funds for July and How to Invest The Best ETFs and How to Start Investing 14 Best-Performing and Affordable ESG ETFs for 2026 More like this What Is a Brokerage Account? Where and How to Open One By Arielle O'Shea, Pamela de la Fuente Best Brokerage Accounts for Online Investing and Stock Trading in 2026 By Chris Davis Best Investments: Where to Invest in 2026 By Chris Davis, Alieza Durana The Best-Performing Stocks in 2026 (By One-Year Returns) By Arielle O'Shea, Chris Davis Investing in Dividend Stocks: Guide, Calculator and Top 7 Yields for July 2026 By Chris Davis, Sam Taube