WisdomTree Europe Quality Dividend Growth Fund

EUDG

Market cap $84.2M

Europe's macro outlook is shifting. After years of fiscal restraint and fragmented policy, the region is entering a new chapter - one centered on pro-growth fiscal policy, energy security, and capital-market reform.

Europe equities and related ETFs are among this year's most obvious rebound stories. And there's widespread belief the asset class's 2025 showings could be repeated or exceeded next year.

For investors looking for income through a multi-asset class approach, it might seem sensible to max out the dividend yield within the equity allocation. Yield-focused equity strategies may introduce regional and sector concentrations that can influence returns. Given the relatively attractive yields available in other asset classes, we think it makes more sense to design 'core-like' equity exposure within multi-asset income solutions.

French bond yields have risen significantly against German bunds and are likely to stay elevated or potentially move higher. The European Central Bank still appears to be a reliable backstop against excessive bond turmoil.

European equities have been among the world's best performers this year, and that's saying something, That's because the Trump administration made the European Union (EU) one of its primary tariff targets. As of yet, the U.S. and the EU don't have a firm accord in place.

In recent years, U.S. equities sharply outperformed international benchmarks, giving rise to the term “U.S. exceptionalism.” Indeed, the gaps between domestic stocks and foreign counterparts, including European fare, were exceptional, but that tide is turning to start 2025.

Plans to increase defense and infrastructure spending offer compelling economic benefits for Germany's lagging manufacturing sector. The US seems to be dramatically reducing spending through its Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) effort.

By Christopher Gannatti, CFA, Global Head of Research Key Takeaways European equities, particularly German stocks, are gaining traction in 2025, challenging the long-standing dominance of U.S. markets as valuation gaps and performance trends shift. Germany's DAX Index is significantly outperforming the S&P 500 Index, fueled by strong earnings, pro-growth policy reforms and rising global demand for exports.

In the early innings of 2025, few asset classes have shined as bright as European stocks and related ETFs. After a multiyear stretch of lagging U.S. equities by wide margins, European stocks are roaring back with a vengeance.

Absolute Return Partners is a London-based investment advisory business. Founded by Niels Jensen in 2002, it focuses on providing bespoke alternative investment solutions to institutional investors.