Content and data provided by various third parties and Fidelity − Terms of Use | Help/Glossary
Research > ETFs > ETF / ETP Commentary > 

The ETF World Cup: How the Final 4 Single-Nation ETFs Stack Up

BY | ETF Database
10:04 am ET 07/13/26 | 9 VIEWS
The World Cup has reached its final four. Spain, France, England, and Argentina will contest some exciting matches this week in advance of the final. Those nations, with the slight adjustment for England, all also can be invested in via single nation ETFs. With more and more investors seeking diversification, single-nation ETFs can help as discrete, individual building blocks.Key Takeaways: The Men’s World Cup is approaching its conclusion. How do the Final Four nations’ single-nation ETFs stack up? Single-nation funds can help portfolios diversify, leaning on the ETF wrapper’s flexibility. The iShares MSCI Spain ETF (EWP) produced the strongest returns from the group, up 37.6% over the last year. While France may appear the out and out favorite at the World Cup right now, how does it stand up as an ETF? The iShares MSCI France ETF (EWQ B) cannot claim the same status. The strategy, which tracks the MSCI France Index, has returned just 2.5% YTD per ETF Database Data. EWQ charges 50 basis points (bps) to invest in firms trading on the French stock exchange. Its performance has lagged the broader ETF Database Europe Equities category average. The Spain ETF, meanwhile, can claim stronger results. The iShares MSCI Spain ETF (EWP B+) tracks the MSCI Spain 25-50 Index, focusing on large- and midcap firms. EWP has returned 12% YTD with that approach. Over the last 12 months, it has performed even better, returning 37.6%. Both its YTD and one-year returns have outperformed the ETF Database Europe Equities category average. Like EWQ, it charges a fee of 50 basis points.U.K. and Argentina Funds Perform Well Among Single Nation ETFsThe iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU A-) includes more than just England, but it’s the closest to an England-only ETF. The fund charges a 50-bps fee to track the MSCI United Kingdom index. It also only invests in firms listed on the London stock exchange.  EWU has outperformed the France ETF EWQ, but not EWP. It has produced decent performance YTD, returning 7.5% in that time, but better over the last 12 months. Its one-year period performance of 19.6% has outperformed the Europe equities category average in that period. Finally, bucking the iShares trend, comes the Global X MSCI Argentina ETF (ARGT A-). The Argentine economy is not only the only non-European market present in the top four (and the only non-European team at the World Cup), but also the most unique amid its libertarian experiments.  See more: International ETF TOUS Signals Diversification Buy ARGT charges a 59-bps fee to track the MSCI All Argentina 25/50 index. The fund has disappointed YTD, with just a 4.4% return. It has done better over the last one year, with a 16.7% return. Those returns trailed the fund’s ETF Database Latin America equities category average in both periods. Together, those funds represent intriguing options to diversify away from the U.S. While Spain may not win on Sunday, it has won the day among single-nation ETFs. For those looking at single-nation ETF offerings, it could be one to watch.  For more news, information, and analysis, visit the Equity ETF Content Hub.

More Commentary

SK Hynix Makes Its U.S. Debut: Which ETFs Offer Exposure?
BY | ETF Database
7:28 am ET 07/13/26 | 33 VIEWS
GUG: Worried About Inflation? Try Active Short Duration Bonds
BY | ETF Database
7:12 am ET 07/13/26 | 19 VIEWS
Where Fundamental Analysis Meets the Chartists: The Launch of Defiance’s RANK ETF
BY | ETF Database
5:06 am ET 07/13/26 | 29 VIEWS
View more Commentary

Search Commentary

Enter Keyword(s)
Filter Results

Performance data shown is past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. Yield and return will vary, therefore you have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. For standard quarterly performance, go to the fund's Snapshot page by clicking on the ETF/ETP's symbol.

ETFs may trade at a premium or discount to their NAV and are subject to the market fluctuations of their underlying investments.

For iShares ETFs, Fidelity receives compensation from the ETF sponsor and/or its affiliates in connection with an exclusive long-term marketing program that includes promotion of iShares ETFs and inclusion of iShares funds in certain FBS platforms and investment programs. Please note, this security will not be marginable for 30 days from the settlement date, at which time it will automatically become eligible for margin collateral. Additional information about the sources, amounts, and terms of compensation can be found in the ETF's prospectus and related documents. Fidelity may add or waive commissions on ETFs without prior notice. BlackRock and iShares are registered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. and its affiliates.

FBS receives compensation from the fund's advisor or its affiliates in connection with a marketing program that includes the promotion of this security and other ETFs to customers ("Marketing Program"). The Marketing Program creates incentives for FBS to encourage the purchase of certain ETFs. Additional information about the sources, amounts, and terms of compensation is in the ETF's prospectus and related documents. Please note that this security will not be marginable for 30 days from the settlement date, at which time it will automatically become eligible for margin collateral.

News, commentary (including "Related Symbols") and events are from third-party sources unaffiliated with Fidelity. Fidelity does not endorse or adopt their content. Fidelity makes no guarantees that information supplied is accurate, complete, or timely, and does not provide any warranties regarding results obtained from their use.

Any data, charts and other information provided on this page are intended to help self-directed investors evaluate exchange traded products (ETPs), including, but limited to exchange traded funds (ETFs) and exchange traded notes (ETNs). Criteria and inputs entered, including the choice to make ETP comparisons, are at the sole discretion of the user and are solely for the convenience of the user. Analyst opinions, ratings and reports are provided by third-parties unaffiliated with Fidelity. All information supplied or obtained from this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or guidance, an offer of or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell a particular security, or a recommendation or endorsement by Fidelity of any security or investment strategy. Fidelity does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy, any analyst opinion/rating/report or any approach to evaluating ETPs. Fidelity makes no guarantees that information supplied is accurate, complete, or timely, and does not provide any warranties regarding results obtained from their use. Determine which securities are right for you based on your investment objectives, risk tolerance, financial situation and other individual factors and re-evaluate them on a periodic basis.

Before investing in any exchange traded product, you should consider its investment objective, risks, charges and expenses. Contact Fidelity for a prospectus, offering circular or, if available, a summary prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully.