Investing in global exchange traded funds (ETFs) has been a hot topic, as the global markets continue to outperform domestic markets. U.S. markets are reaching record highs, the DIAMONDs Trust (DIA) is up 12% year-to-date, but it still lags behind the top international ETF, iShares MSCI Brazil (EWZ), which is up 46%. SPDRs (SPY) is up 9%.

Recent reports show more money flowing into international ETFs, yet the number of Americans investing internationally is low. Aaron Siegel of InvestmentNews reports 62% of consumers in the U.S. do not believe the U.S. will be a world leader in ten years. Yet only 13% of Americans invest internationally. Will Americans continue to focus on "Made in the USA" or will they look globally to add performance to their portfolio?

Other top performing international ETFs include:

• iShares MSCI South Korea (EWY) – up 35% year-to-date
• iShares S&P Latin America (ILF) – up 35% year-to-date
• iShares MSCI Malaysia (EWM) – up 30% year-to-date
• Claymore/BNY BRIC (EEB) – up 30% year-to-date

For full disclosure, some of Tom Lydon’s clients own DIA and ILF.

Tags: Brazil, China, Emerging Markets, EWZ, India, Latin America, Malaysia, Russia, S&P 500, South Korea