As an alternative option the country-specific ETNs, investors can gain European bond exposure through broader international fixed-income ETFs. For example, the SPDR Barclays International Treasury Bond ETF (NYSEArca: BWX) includes U.K. 7.9%, Italy 6.3%, France 6.2%, Germany 5.1%, Belgium 4.5%, Spain 4.4%, Netherlands 4.4% and Austria 3.5%, among others. The iShares International Treasury Bond ETF (NYSEArca: IGOV) includes Italy 6.9%, France 6.7%, U.K. 5.9%, Germany 5.8%, Belgium 4.6%, Ireland 4.6%, Spain 4.5%, Austria 4.5% and Portugal 4.4%.
Additionally, the Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (NYSEArca: BNDX) provides broad exposure to international debt, including foreign investment-grade government, corporate and securitized debt while hedging currency exposure, which can diminish volatility attributed to the Forex risks. BNDX also includes a 57.6% tilt toward European countries.
For more information on Europe, visit our Europe category.
Max Chen contributed to this article.