Franklin FTSE Germany ETF

FLGR

Market cap $38.7M

German manufacturing orders dropped in April, reversing some of the gains in March that came on the back of stock building after the outbreak of the war in Iran.

German factory orders jumped 5% in March, lifting the DAX index to record highs and putting German equity ETFs back in focus.

Orders rose sharply in March, a signal of potential front-running to manage rising energy prices and supply disruptions that arose after the start of the war in Iran.

As Europe confronts a new energy crisis, we explore key measures to strengthen energy security beyond simply lowering energy bills, and the potential implications for business leaders. Europe now relies on a wider range of suppliers, but paradoxically, the new geopolitical situation still leaves Europe vulnerable.

Investors typically diversify global portfolios with broad international ETFs. But recent market volatility has caused investors to look more closely at various international opportunities.

Looking to diversify from a tumultuous, volatile domestic U.S. equity market? Many investors are likely looking at their options to do so.

The potential impact of tariffs on the US equity market (^GSPC, ^IXIC, ^DJI) could be more significant than expected. Alastair Pinder, HSBC head of emerging markets and global equity strategist, joins Morning Brief to discuss the importance of focusing on markets with fiscal stimulus potential, such as Germany and China, to offset these headwinds and safeguard portfolios.

While U.S. investors may be disappointed with this year's choppy first-quarter performance, European investors celebrate double-digit broad index returns. The Euro Stoxx 50 Index is Europe's blue-chip index covering 50 stocks from 11 Eurozone countries.

The Franklin FTSE Germany ETF is most cost-competitive than the larger- EWG, while also maintaining a superior track record of risk-adjusted returns. German macros, which have been in a dismal place for quite some time, appear to be getting a shot in the arm, although tariff-related pressures are still a concern. German stocks' valuations relative to developed markets are not hugely compelling, particularly in light of a similar degree of earnings growth.

Bull vs. Bear is a weekly feature where the VettaFi writers' room takes opposite sides for a debate on controversial stocks, strategies, or market ideas — with plenty of discussion of ETF ideas to play either angle. For this edition of Bull vs.