Stratos Wealth Partners Elevates iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Holdings by 30%

Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. has significantly increased its stake in the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEARCA:EFA), growing its holdings by 30.5% during the second quarter of 2024. This growth was disclosed in a recent filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). After acquiring an additional 5,395 shares, Stratos Wealth now owns 23,112 shares of the exchange-traded fund (ETF), valued at approximately $2,066,000 at the close of the latest reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also adjusted their positions in the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF. Notably, Aurora Private Wealth Inc. expanded its holdings by an impressive 2,358.3% during the first quarter, increasing its total to 76,183 shares valued at around $6,226,000 after purchasing an additional 73,084 shares.

Alexander Randolph Advisory Inc. raised its position by 7.5% in the same period, now owning 5,421 shares worth $443,000 after acquiring 379 shares. Similarly, US Financial Advisors LLC increased its stake by 9.8%, bringing its total to 240,077 shares, valued at about $19,622,000 following an additional purchase of 21,522 shares. Tillman Hartley LLC also boosted its position by 22.6%, now holding 3,301 shares valued at $270,000. Additionally, N.E.W. Advisory Services LLC entered the market with a new stake valued at approximately $85,000.

As a result, institutional investors and hedge funds collectively own 79.80% of the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, reflecting a strong institutional interest in international equity investments.

Current Performance of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF

On Tuesday, shares of the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF opened at $95.29. The fund has a market capitalization of $68.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.48, and a beta of 0.86. Over the past year, the ETF has seen considerable price fluctuation, with a 52-week low of $72.14 and a high of $95.53. The fund also reported a 50-day moving average price of $92.84 and a 200-day moving average price of $88.81.

The iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, previously known as the iShares MSCI EAFE Index Fund, aims to achieve investment results that correspond to the performance of the MSCI EAFE Index. This index is widely regarded as a benchmark for international stock performance, developed by MSCI Inc. to represent equity markets across developed countries outside of North America.

The recent surge in investment from Stratos Wealth Partners and other institutional investors indicates a growing confidence in the potential of international equities, particularly in regions represented by the EAFE index. As the ETF continues to gain traction, market analysts will be closely monitoring its performance in the months ahead.