"The guidance I received completely changed my investment approach. I went from being scared of international markets to confidently building a diversified global portfolio. The tax optimization strategies alone saved me thousands of dollars. Within two years, my international holdings became the best-performing part of my portfolio. The team's expertise made complex concepts easy to understand and implement."
Success Stories
Real results from investors who mastered international markets
Asian Markets Expansion
Sarah increased her portfolio by 340% over three years by strategically investing in emerging Asian technology companies. She learned to navigate currency fluctuations and regulatory differences, transforming her investment approach. Her diversified strategy across multiple Asian markets provided stable returns even during volatile periods. Understanding tax implications and using proper investment vehicles were crucial to her success.
+340% Returns
European Dividend Strategy
Michael built a sustainable income stream through European dividend-paying stocks, generating $2,000 monthly passive income. His careful selection of blue-chip companies across different European sectors provided consistent cash flow. He mastered withholding tax treaties to maximize his after-tax returns. The geographic diversification protected his portfolio during regional economic downturns while maintaining steady dividend growth.
$2,000/Month
Global Diversification
Lisa transformed her domestic-only portfolio into a globally diversified powerhouse, reducing volatility by 25% while maintaining strong returns. Her systematic approach to international investing included thorough research of foreign markets and understanding of geopolitical risks. She utilized ADRs and ETFs to gain exposure while minimizing complexity. Her portfolio now spans six continents with optimized currency hedging strategies.
-25% Volatility
Investment Strategies
Proven approaches to international stock investing
ETF-Based Approach
Exchange-traded funds provide excellent exposure to international markets without the complexity of individual stock selection. This strategy offers instant diversification across multiple countries and sectors while maintaining cost-effectiveness. ETFs also provide transparency and liquidity that individual foreign stocks might lack. Currency hedging options within ETFs can help manage foreign exchange risk, making this approach ideal for beginners to international investing.
Benefits include lower fees, professional management, and reduced research requirements compared to individual stock picking.
ADR Selection Method
American Depositary Receipts allow investors to buy foreign companies through US exchanges, simplifying the investment process significantly. ADRs are denominated in US dollars and follow US trading hours, eliminating many complexities of direct foreign investment. They provide access to major international companies like Nestlé, Toyota, and ASML while maintaining familiar trading mechanics. This approach reduces settlement risks and currency conversion complexities while still providing international exposure.
ADRs trade like regular US stocks but represent shares in foreign companies, offering convenience with international exposure.
Essential Resources
Official guidance and professional insights for international investing
FIRPTA withholding | Internal Revenue Service
Persons purchasing U.S. real property interests (transferees) from foreign persons, certain purchasers' agents, and settlement officers are required to withhold...
BlackRock: Investment Management & Financial Services
When you invest in stocks (also called equities), you buy a share in a... International investing involves risks, including risks related to foreign...
Instructions for Form 1099-B (2025) | Internal Revenue Service
When reporting the purchase or sale of a security traded on an established securities market, you must determine the U.S. dollar amounts to be...
CalPERS International Stock Investments & China | CalPERS
Learn about CalPERS' investments in China and under what circumstances would CalPERS own more Chinese stocks.
Expert Team
Meet our international investment specialists
David Chen
Senior Investment Advisor
With over 15 years of experience in international markets, David specializes in Asian equity strategies and currency hedging. He holds a CFA designation and MBA from Wharton. His expertise in emerging markets has helped clients navigate volatile periods while achieving consistent returns. David speaks fluent Mandarin and maintains strong relationships with Asian financial institutions.
Elena Rodriguez
European Markets Specialist
Elena brings 12 years of expertise in European equity markets and ESG investing. She previously worked at Deutsche Bank and UBS, managing institutional portfolios. Her deep understanding of European regulations and tax treaties helps clients optimize their international investments. Elena is fluent in five European languages and holds advanced certifications in sustainable investing.
Robert Kim
Tax Strategy Consultant
Robert is a CPA with specialized knowledge in international tax implications for foreign investments. He helps clients navigate complex withholding taxes and treaty benefits across multiple jurisdictions. His expertise ensures clients maximize after-tax returns while remaining compliant with all regulations. Robert regularly conducts seminars on international tax planning for investment advisors and individual investors.
Client Testimonials
Hear from investors who transformed their portfolios
Jennifer Walsh
Technology Executive
Mark Thompson
Small Business Owner
"As a business owner, I needed investment strategies that could weather economic storms. The international diversification approach recommended here protected my retirement savings during market volatility. The monthly income from European dividend stocks now supplements my business income perfectly. I wish I had started investing internationally years earlier. The educational resources and ongoing support have been invaluable."
Sustainable Investing
ESG-focused international investment strategies
ESG Integration
Environmental, Social, and Governance factors are increasingly important in international investing, particularly in European and Scandinavian markets. Many foreign companies lead in sustainability practices, offering investors opportunities to align values with returns. ESG screening helps identify companies with strong long-term prospects and reduced regulatory risks. Sustainable investing strategies often show lower volatility and stronger performance during market downturns. We help clients integrate ESG criteria into their international portfolio selection process.
Impact Investing
Impact investing in foreign markets allows investors to generate positive social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns. Many emerging market companies focus on solving critical global challenges like clean water, renewable energy, and healthcare access. These investments often benefit from government support and growing consumer demand for sustainable solutions. Impact investing provides diversification benefits while contributing to global development goals. Our team helps identify legitimate impact opportunities and avoid greenwashing in international markets.
Start Your International Investment Journey
Get personalized guidance for your global portfolio strategy