IHDG: A Rising Dollar is No Problem For This Foreign ETFThe US Dollar Index (DXY) has gotten off to a rip-roaring start to 2024. Up more than 2% on the year, the greenback’s ascent comes after significant declines over the final handful of months in 2023. That is usually a headwind for equities, particularly shares of companies domiciled overseas. Not surprisingly, we’ve seen many foreign index funds suffer relative to the S&P 500 thus far in January.
To combat these currency concerns, hedging FX exposure reaps rewards in these environments. The WisdomTree International Hedged Quality Dividend Growth Fund ETF (IHDG) does just that. In addition to mitigating the risks of a rising dollar, the strategy aims to own high-quality dividend growth companies. While this ETF can be a replacement for a high-yield or large-cap position among long-term investors, technicians might look at its chart and see an intriguing development.
My featured chart is a breakout in IHDG. A rally above the key $41 level tells me there is plenty of strength away from the US mega-cap tech stocks. IHDG features a rising 200-day moving average with its price above both the 200dma and nearer-term 50dma. What’s more, following the breakout above $41, next resistance could come into play around its late 2021 highs above $46, while ample volume by price in the $36 to $41 range should offer cushion on any pullbacks.
So, don’t discount non-US equities even as the SPX and QQQ lead the global markets. If the trend of a stronger DXY continues, IHDG may keep on shining versus foreign index equity ETFs.
