Global ETF Nears Potential Breakout

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Recent weeks have seen a dramatic shift toward global stocks as U.S. markets decline. Now traders may be looking for a breakout in a key ETF tracking the group.

The iShares MSCI EAFE fund, which focuses on developed markets like Europe and Japan, had a quick advance from mid-January through early March. There are at least four takeaways from the rally.

First, it resulted in historic outperformance against the S&P 500. (This is highlighted by relative strength in the lower study with a 21-day period.) The current reading of 13.8 percent points compares with July 2002, when EFA began a five-year run of outpacing SPX. (The only two other times that relative strength was higher was late 2008 and March 2020, abnormal moments of extreme volatility.)

Second, the recent rally pulled the 50-day simple moving average (SMA) toward a potential “golden cross” above the 200-day SMA.

Third, a pullback on February 28 was quickly bought. That potentially established support above the December high of $80.63. (See yellow arrows.)

Fourth, EFA has remained well above a 50 percent retracement of the advance. That may confirm bulls are still in control.

Next, the fund just completed an inside week. That tightness may reflect a lack of selling pressure.

Finally, the 8-day exponential moving average (EMA) has stayed above the 21-day EMA.

Standardized Performances for the ETF mentioned above:
iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA)
1-year: +5.61%
5-years: +31.07%
10-year: +25.31%
(As of February 28, 2025)
Exchange Traded Funds ("ETFs") are subject to management fees and other expenses. Before making investment decisions, investors should carefully read information found in the prospectus or summary prospectus, if available, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Click here to find the prospectus.

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