Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF

VPL

Market cap $8.02B

VPL has outperformed US equities in 2025, returning 17% YTD, driven by strong Japanese buybacks and shareholder rewards. The ETF remains attractively valued at a 15x P/E, offering a 2.85% yield and diversified exposure to Asia-Pacific large caps. Technical analysis shows VPL near 2021 highs with rising support at $80 and a bullish long-term trend, though seasonal weakness is possible.

Among APAC equity markets, Australia has a higher beta to oil prices while India, Indonesia and Thailand have lower betas. Domestic political uncertainties have been one main reason for the decoupling trend seen in Indonesia and Thailand.

The Vanguard FTSE Pacific Index Fund ETF Shares offers cost-efficient exposure to Asia-Pacific equities, but its heavy Japanese focus has hindered performance of late, with only 7% YTD returns. With 60% of this portfolio coming from Japan, it will be difficult for the VPL ETF to flourish, unless conditions in this region pick up. VPL's holdings offer decent earnings growth on par with global stocks, yet it can be picked up at a cheaper P/E multiple valuations look compelling.

While the China macro story of ongoing transition is a headwind to the rest of Asia, there is more to the region's economic health than this.

The total nominal GDP of the ten ASEAN nations measured in US dollar terms amounted to USD 3.6 trillion in 2022, more than doubling compared with total GDP of USD 1.6 trillion in 2009. Singapore's GDP growth rate improved to a pace of 2.8% y/y in the fourth quarter of 2023 according to the advance estimate of GDP from the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI).