iShares MSCI Peru and Global Exposure ETF

EPU

Market cap $573M

The iShares MSCI Peru and Global Exposure ETF offers concentrated exposure to Peru's commodity-driven equity market, dominated by basic materials and financials. EPU benefits from record copper and gold prices, domestic liquidity injections, and easing monetary policy but faces significant political and valuation risks ahead of the 2026 elections. Major mining projects and the Chancay Mega-Port enhance Peru's export competitiveness, yet EPU trades at a P/E of 17.25x, well above its historical average.

EPU: A Beneficiary Of Peru's Solid GDP Growth And High Commodity Prices

The iShares MSCI Peru ETF (EPU) has surged 69.1% YTD, earning a Strong Buy Quant Rating and ranking as the top single country ETF for 2025. EPU's outperformance is driven by strong returns from a concentrated set of holdings and sector exposure. The fund's narrow focus presents significant vulnerability and concentration risk for future performance.

Global market leadership may be shifting again as trade tensions escalate, the U.S. dollar trades at multi-year lows, and gold at all-time highs. This brings back for the second time this year the quest for the best international ETFs. The most recent global outlook from the IMF points to ongoing strengths in emerging markets and developing economies vs. the U.S. and other advanced economies in 2026.

iShares MSCI Peru ETF is up 60% YTD, driven by a metals rally, but currently rated "Hold" due to stretched technicals. EPU benefits from high exposure to mining and materials, with a 3.55% yield and strong momentum, but faces elevated volatility and liquidity issues. Valuation has risen with a P/E of 16x and a less compelling PEG ratio; portfolio is concentrated in materials and financials, notably SCCO and BAP.

It has been 225 days since President Trump's Inauguration on January 20th, and the S&P 500 entered today up 8% since the last close before the Inauguration. Speaking of the G7, the US has been the worst market among these seven developed nations since Inauguration Day in January. Along with being the second-best performing country ETF since Inauguration Day, Vietnamhas easily been the best performer since April 8th with a gain of 77.5%.

Latin American equities have outperformed the U.S. market in 2025, and Peru is among those winners year-to-date. Peru's political instability and upcoming elections present significant risks, particularly when compared to other countries in the region. EPU's mining focus benefits from high commodity prices, but the lack of diversification will be a drag if metals prices slide.

Peru offers an attractive investment opportunity with low debt, low valuations, and strong economic growth, despite high risk. iShares MSCI Peru ETF focuses heavily on Basic Materials and Financials, making it a sector play with high volatility. Peru's healthy economy, low inflation, and strong GDP growth, coupled with rising copper demand, support EPU's potential.

Peru's economy, driven by the mining sector, offers good growth potential with a 7.5% CAGR in GDP from 2000-2023 and low inflation rates. Peru's exposure to the global copper market is very positive as EVs are widely adopted, and power grids are upgraded around the world. A significant proportion of EPU's holdings are represented by companies whose main operating market is not Peru.

Peru's stock market has outperformed regional peers, despite economic challenges, and equities remain reasonably valued. The economy is poised for substantial recovery in 2025, with recent GDP growth hitting its highest since Q1, 2022. Despite a 40% market run in the past year, future economic developments are not fully priced in, making it a good hold.