Opinions about International Mutual Funds?

[disneysteve]

ok. My point was, with a global economy, where a company is physically domiciled is irrelevant any more.

I understand what you mean, but that's not true for the purposes of this thread. As I said above, about 3/4 of the world's stock market capitalization lies outside of the US. I don't think you can really have a well-diversified portfolio without including international investments either through an international fund or, as you suggested, a global balanced fund that includes both foreign and domestic holdings.

[scfr]

OP (cinfooya) - I'm interested in hearing what your current thoughts/plans are and if you have any follow up questions?

[cinfooya]

Are there other international funds, with lower expense ratios, available to you?

That's what I am leaning toward. The discussion here seems to suggest although many US companies are global in scope, it is still a safe bet to hold some international funds which may at times outperform US-only funds.

[cinfooya]

OP (cinfooya) - I'm interested in hearing what your current thoughts/plans are and if you have any follow up questions?

I plan to transfer to a lower-expense fund this week. Will track progress and let you know how it goes.

[disneysteve]

it is still a safe bet to hold some international funds which may at times outperform US-only funds.

I don't know what you mean by "a safe bet" but yes, a well-diversified portfolio should include international exposure.