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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.Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
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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. Ticker Ticker Fund name Fund name One-year return One-year return EMEQ Nomura Focused Emerging Markets Equity ETF 78.66% KEMX KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets Ex China Index ETF 49.27% MEMX Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF 49.22% AIA iShares Asia 50 ETF 49.11% PEMX Putnam Emerging Markets Ex China ETF 49.05% EMXC iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Ex China ETF 45.99% XCEM Columbia EM Core Ex-China ETF 41.37% Source: Finviz. Data is current as of April 3, 2026, and is intended for informational purposes only. Source: Finviz. Data is current as of April 3, 2026, and is intended for informational purposes only.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. Ticker Ticker Fund name Fund name One-year return One-year return ILF iShares Latin America 40 ETF 56.3% FLLA Franklin FTSE Latin America ETF 53.81% AFK MVIS GDP Africa Index 49.62% AIA iShares Asia 50 ETF 49.11% EEMA iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF 30.44% IPAC iShares MSCI Core Pacific ETF 29.92% ASEA GlobalX FTSE Southeast Asia ETF 28.99% Source: Finviz. Data is current as of April 3, 2026, and is intended for informational purposes only. Source: Finviz. Data is current as of April 3, 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. Ticker Ticker Fund name Fund name One-year return One-year return EWY iShares MSCI South Korea ETF 129.04% FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF 122.98% MKOR Matthews Korea Active ETF 107.18% EPU iShares MSCI Peru and Global Exposure ETF 87.22% OPPJ Wisdom Tree Trust WisdomTree Japan Opportunities Fund 63.39% EIS iShares MSCI Israel ETF 58.65% FLTW Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF 58.31% Source: Finviz. Data is current as of April 3, 2026, and is intended for informational purposes only. Source: Finviz. Data is current as of April 3, 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. Brokerage firms Learn more Learn moreon Charles Schwab's website
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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 May 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 Investment Calculator 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 April 2026 By Chris Davis, Sam Taube