In volatile markets, the benefits of diversification shine brightly. A diversified portfolio means spreading your capital across a variety of asset classes (stocks, bonds, real estate, precious metals, etc.). But a truly diversified portfolio will strive to also be diversified within each asset class.
When it comes to stocks, investors should think about the "where" perhaps more than the "what." Many U.S. investors tend to feel more comfortable investing in companies domiciled in the United States, and historically, that's been a profitable strategy.
However, when the market faces some volatility, especially when the dollar is under pressure, international stocks offer a way to shelter your portfolio from the risks associated with investing in a single country.
As many U.S. companies deal with uncertainty from tariffs and inflation that are likely to put a lid on short-term earnings, we're spotlighting seven international stocks that look like good places for investors to place their capital.
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- Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing
- ASML Holding NV
- Nintendo
- Nestle
- Toyota Motor
- AstraZeneca
- Canadian National Railway
#1 - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a transformative technology that will impact virtually every sector of the economy. And that means semiconductor chips—and the companies that supply them—will be in high demand.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM) is one of the leaders in the category, producing approximately 64% of all chips manufactured in Q3 2024. As the go-to supplier for cutting-edge AI chips, TSM is poised for sustained demand as businesses race to expand their AI infrastructure.
Despite its dominant position, Taiwan Semiconductor stock traded at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of around 20x. That is significantly below the consensus 27x P/E for the sector, making it an attractive value play.
That value does come with some risk. Taiwan continues to be part of a geopolitical conflict with China over its sovereignty. However, Taiwan Semiconductor is taking steps to diversify its supply chain, including building foundries in the United States.
About Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides a range of wafer fabrication processes, including processes to manufacture complementary metal- oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, embedded memory, bipolar CMOS mixed-signal, and others.
More about Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing- Current Price
- $180.10
- Consensus Rating
- Moderate Buy
- Ratings Breakdown
- 4 Buy Ratings, 1 Hold Ratings, 0 Sell Ratings.
- Consensus Price Target
- $220.00 (22.2% Upside)
#2 - ASML Holding NV (NASDAQ:ASML)
ASML Holding NV (NASDAQ: ASML) offers a unique way to invest in the semiconductor industry. Unlike traditional chipmakers, ASML doesn’t manufacture chips—it builds the cutting-edge equipment that makes chip production possible. And it offers technology such as extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) machines that no other company can provide. Additionally, strict export regulations prevent these machines from being sold to China, helping ASML maintain its technological lead for years to come.
The biggest risk for ASML—and the broader semiconductor sector— is if investment in AI infrastructure begins to wane. However, that seems unlikely, as the company projects a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 20% from 2025 to 2030.
Analyst sentiment remains bullish. JP Morgan Chase reiterated its Overweight rating and gave ASML stock a price target of $1,100—more than 50% above the consensus target as of late February 2025.
About ASML
ASML Holding N.V. develops, produces, markets, sells, and services advanced semiconductor equipment systems for chipmakers. It offers advanced semiconductor equipment systems, including lithography, metrology, and inspection systems. The company also provides extreme ultraviolet lithography systems; and deep ultraviolet lithography systems comprising immersion and dry lithography solutions to manufacture various range of semiconductor nodes and technologies.
More about ASML- Current Price
- $708.71
- Consensus Rating
- Moderate Buy
- Ratings Breakdown
- 9 Buy Ratings, 2 Hold Ratings, 0 Sell Ratings.
- Consensus Price Target
- $937.00 (32.2% Upside)
#3 - Nintendo (OTCMKTS:NTDOY)
Nintendo Co. Ltd. (OTCMKTS: NTDOY) is the parent company behind the Nintendo Switch, one of the most popular handheld video game consoles of the last decade. That console is nearly 10 years old and gamers are eagerly awaiting the release of the second generation Switch (NS2), which is expected sometime in 2025.
That’s one reason that analysts believe NTDOY stock could provide solid growth for investors in the coming years. However, the low-margin nature of gaming hardware isn’t a sufficient reason to buy. The company’s real strength lies in its iconic intellectual property, particularly the Super Mario franchise. Following the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2024, a sequel is already set for release in 2026.
But before that happens, Super Nintendo World, the latest in the company’s theme park destinations, will open in Florida. This will continue to open up licensing and marketing opportunities for the company.
About Nintendo
Nintendo Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and sells home entertainment products in Japan, the Americas, Europe, and internationally. It also offers video game platforms, playing cards, Karuta, and other products; and handheld and home console hardware systems and related software.
More about Nintendo- Current Price
- $18.58
- Consensus Rating
- Moderate Buy
- Ratings Breakdown
- 1 Buy Ratings, 1 Hold Ratings, 0 Sell Ratings.
- Consensus Price Target
- N/A
#4 - Nestle (OTCMKTS:NSRGF)
Consumer staples stock Nestle S.A. (OTCKMKTS: NSRGF) is best known for its signature chocolate products under the Nestle brand name. But Nestle has an expansive portfolio that includes bottled water, baby food, pet food, and coffee.
That diversification means the company is less exposed to the decline in snack food sales due to the popularity of GLP-1 drugs. In fact, the company cites macroeconomic factors such as tariffs and higher commodity prices as the main threats to the business over the next couple of years.
Those are real concerns, but they tend to be more cyclical in nature. That makes Nestle a solid choice for investors who prioritize stability over growth. And after a rough 2024, shares of NSRGF stock are off to a strong start in 2025.
About Nestlé
Nestlé SA, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a food and beverage company. The company operates through Zone North America; Zone Europe; Zone Asia, Oceania, and Africa; Zone Latin America; Zone Greater China; Nespresso; and Nestlé Health Science segments. It offers baby foods under the Cerelac, Gerber, Nido, and NaturNes brands; bottled water under the Nestlé Pure Life, Perrier, Vittel, Buxton, Erikli, and S.Pellegrino brands; cereals under the Fitness, Nesquik, cheerios, and Lion Cereals brands; and chocolate and confectionery products under the KitKat, Smarties, Aero, Nestlé Les Recettes de l'Atelier, Milkybar, Baci Perugina, Quality Street, and Fitness brands.
More about Nestlé- Current Price
- $96.02
- Consensus Rating
- N/A
- Ratings Breakdown
- 0 Buy Ratings, 0 Hold Ratings, 0 Sell Ratings.
- Consensus Price Target
- N/A
#5 - Toyota Motor (NYSE:TM)
Electric vehicle (EV) sales didn’t accelerate as forecasted. If you live in or around a major city, it may surprise you to know that the EV infrastructure is not as developed in other areas of the country. Plus, when you consider that the current lithium-ion batteries may perform poorly in extreme temperatures, the market may not be as robust as first thought.
Toyota, meanwhile, has remained focused on hybrid vehicles. In 2022 and 2023, that strategy weighed on the company as more investor dollars went to start-up EV companies. But in 2024, hybrids are gaining popularity, offering consumers the benefits of electrification without the limitations of full EVs. With hybrid technology expanding into larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks, Toyota is well-positioned to capitalize on shifting consumer preferences.
About Toyota Motor
Toyota Motor Corporation designs, manufactures, assembles, and sells passenger vehicles, minivans and commercial vehicles, and related parts and accessories in Japan, North America, Europe, Asia, Central and South America, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East. It operates in Automotive, Financial Services, and All Other segments.
More about Toyota Motor- Current Price
- $181.48
- Consensus Rating
- Hold
- Ratings Breakdown
- 1 Buy Ratings, 2 Hold Ratings, 0 Sell Ratings.
- Consensus Price Target
- N/A
#6 - AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN)
Biopharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN) is a steady performer in what can be a volatile sector. In addition to its active drug portfolio, which includes treatments for oncology and rare diseases, the company's pipeline includes over 190 drug candidates.
Of course, not all of those drugs will make it through the clinical trial stage, but AstraZeneca projects at least 20 new medicine launches by 2030. The company anticipates its revenue to reach approximately $80 billion by then—nearly doubling its current annual revenue.
AZN stock has a forward P/E ratio of 16.1, which is in line with the sector average. And with a dividend that yields over 2%, AstraZeneca displays many of the characteristics that patient investors look for in a slow-and-steady stock: a solid mix of stability, growth potential, and reliable income.
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca PLC, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, manufacture, and commercialization of prescription medicines. The company's marketed products include Tagrisso, Imfinzi, Lynparza, Calquence, Enhertu, Orpathys, Truqap, Zoladex, Faslodex, Farxiga, Brilinta, Lokelma, Roxadustat, Andexxa, Crestor, Seloken, Onglyza, Bydureon, Fasenra, Breztri, Symbicort, Saphnelo, Tezspire, Pulmicort, Bevespi, and Daliresp for cardiovascular, renal, metabolism, and oncology.
More about AstraZeneca- Current Price
- $76.21
- Consensus Rating
- Buy
- Ratings Breakdown
- 9 Buy Ratings, 1 Hold Ratings, 0 Sell Ratings.
- Consensus Price Target
- $89.75 (17.8% Upside)
#7 - Canadian National Railway (NYSE:CNI)
Canadian National Railway Co. (NYSE: CNI) is one of the largest transportation challenges in Canada and all of North America. Like many logistic stocks, the company was under pressure in 2024, with modest growth in volume and revenue, though earnings saw a slight decline.
But ironically, it’s a stock that may stand up well to tariff pressures. Canadian National Railway is well-positioned to benefit from businesses looking for efficient, reliable transportation networks. The company is forecasting earnings growth between 10% and 15% in 2025.
And even if investors have to wait on stock price growth, they can collect a dividend with an attractive yield of around 2.4%.
About Canadian National Railway
Canadian National Railway Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the rail, intermodal, trucking, and marine transportation and logistics business in Canada and the United States. The company provides rail services, which include equipment, custom brokerage services, transloading and distribution, business development and real estate, and private car storage services; and intermodal services, such as temperature controlled cargo, port partnerships, and logistics parks.
More about Canadian National Railway- Current Price
- $101.38
- Consensus Rating
- Moderate Buy
- Ratings Breakdown
- 11 Buy Ratings, 6 Hold Ratings, 2 Sell Ratings.
- Consensus Price Target
- $124.19 (22.5% Upside)
There are over 6,000 stocks publicly trading on major U.S. exchanges, primarily the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ. While a significant number of international companies are also listed in the United States, often through American Depository Receipts (ADRs), the majority of global stocks trade exclusively on their home country exchanges.
To be listed on a U.S. exchange, these international companies must comply with regulations, including providing earnings reports and meeting SEC requirements. This ensures investors have access to reliable financial information similar to that available for U.S. companies.
You can conduct research and track performance on stocks listed on U.S. exchanges, as well as many that trade on the over-the-counter markets (OTCMKTS) on MarketBeat.com. By adding a stock to your watchlist, you’ll receive updates on news and developments related to that stock.
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