IXUS: A 8.5% Total Return Expected In The Long Term

iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) continues its streak of outperformance relative to the S&P 500 so far in 2026. While war in the Middle East and a stronger U.S. dollar present near-term headwinds, I still see IXUS valuations as more attractive relative to U.S. large caps. IXUS has modest direct Middle East exposure. That said, roughly 4/5 of assets are allocated to energy importing countries in Europe and Asia.