In the Dutch golden age during the 17th century, Dutch trading, science and art dominated the world scene. It still packs a global punch and is often overlooked by investors. About twice the size of New Jersey with a population of 16.5 million, the Kingdom of the Netherlands is a prosperous and open economy with a bent towards trading with the world. The top multinationals based in the Netherlands accounted for a combined revenue of $822 billion of revenue in 2005. It is easy to tap into in this global corporate vigor through the Netherlands iShare (EWN) that contains a basket of 27 Dutch companies. The global financial services firm ING accounts for 18% of the basket. ING has a dominant position in growing Asian markets such as China, India and Thailand and its direct bank now has 15 million customers worldwide. 50% of its profits come from insurance operations and since European and American markets are rather mature, its strategy is to continue to diversify geographically and move into higher growth areas such as retirement services. ING is a low cost provider resulting in an ROE in 2005 of 24% though the relatively high debt load is a concern. The next four highest weighted companies in this ETF are all top quality: ABN Amro, Phillips Electronics, Unilever and Aegon. In terms of sectors, diversified financials account for 18% of the basket, food, beverage and tobacco is 13%, banks, 13% and consumer durables 10%. The Netherlands stock market is undervalued with its AEX index trading at a price earnings ratio of 12 times earnings. Belgium, which broke away from the Netherlands in 1830, also presents investors with solid value. King Albert II reigns over this industrious nation with Dutch speaking Flemings in the north and French-speaking Walloons in the south. Belgium sits at the crossroads of Europe and is home to both NATO and the European Union. The Belgium ETF (EWK) contains 23 companies with the insurance and banking behemoth Fortis leading the way with 23% of the basket. The stock is 14% off its 52 week high and in the first quarter of 2006 its net profits before divestments was up 25%. Financials and banks make up more than 50% the holdings of the Belgium ETF with materials, food and telecom companies adding an additional 22%. The Belgium stock market is undervalued trading at 1.9 times book with a forward price earnings ratio of 12. It enjoys low interest rates and according to data from EmergingPortfolio.com, global money managers have increased their Belgium weightings in the most recent month. Add both Netherlands (EWN) and Belgium (EWK) to your global ETF portfolios to balance more aggressive allocations to emerging market countries. |
