Better International ETF: Schwab's SCHF vs. the iShares IEFA

The article compares two international equity ETFs targeting developed markets outside the U.S. SCHF offers a lower expense ratio (0.03% vs 0.07%) and stronger 1-year performance (29.3% vs 21.8%), with significant exposure to South Korean semiconductor companies. IEFA provides greater scale ($196B AUM), broader diversification (2,616 holdings), and higher dividend yield (3.3% vs 3.0%). The choice depends on investor priorities: SCHF for AI/semiconductor exposure and lower costs, IEFA for liquidity and small-cap international exposure.

09/07/2026, 9:20 PM • The Motley Fool

ASML reports transactions under its current share buyback program

ASML Holding N.V. reports share repurchase transactions conducted between August 31 and September 4, 2026, under its buyback program announced on January 28, 2026. The company repurchased a total of 314,178 shares across five trading days at weighted average prices ranging from €1,420.11 to €1,468.54 per share, totaling approximately €453.1 million.

09/07/2026, 8:00 AM • GlobeNewswire

Why ASML Holding Stock Bumped 4% Higher Today

ASML Holding stock rose 4% following a bullish analyst report from Lynx Equity Strategies on memory chipmakers Micron Technology and Sandisk. The report cited strong prospects for these chipmakers as they ramp up production to meet AI-driven demand for computing power. ASML, which supplies essential lithography systems to chipmakers, is positioned to benefit from this industry expansion.

09/04/2026, 6:31 PM • The Motley Fool

1 Vanguard ETF Up 23% in 12 Months (Hint: It's Not VOO). Here's What History Says Investors Should Do.

The Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has gained 23% over the past 12 months, outperforming the S&P 500 in the short term. However, over the past decade, the S&P 500 has significantly outperformed VXUS (319% vs 149% total return), largely due to the Magnificent Seven stocks. While international outperformance appears to be a temporary trend, the article suggests allocating 5-10% of a portfolio to VXUS for geographic diversification, citing concerns about U.S. market concentration, valuation, and federal debt.

08/20/2026, 2:15 PM • The Motley Fool

Why State Street SPDR Developed World ex-US is a Strong International ETF

Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) and State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) both offer low-cost international exposure with identical 0.03% expense ratios. While Schwab delivered slightly higher returns and lower volatility over five years, State Street provides broader diversification with nearly 1,000 additional holdings including small-cap stocks, which the author favors for long-term growth potential.

08/19/2026, 3:29 PM • The Motley Fool

This Billionaire Tech Investor Is Betting Big on SpaceX and Chip Stocks

Billionaire tech investor Philippe Laffont of Coatue Management significantly increased his portfolio positions in Q2, with major additions to SpaceX and semiconductor stocks including Micron, Intel, and Cerebras. While the analyst is skeptical of SpaceX's valuation, he views Micron favorably due to memory supply constraints and supports Cerebras as a potential winner in AI inference, but cautions against chasing Intel stock after its recent rally.

08/19/2026, 3:21 PM • The Motley Fool

Vanguard Is Bullish on Developed Markets Outside the U.S. -- But How Can You Buy Them? These 2 ETFs Can Help.

Vanguard's research suggests that international stocks in developed markets outside the U.S. may outperform U.S. growth stocks as AI benefits spread beyond the tech sector. The firm projects developed markets ex-U.S. equities to deliver 4.5%-6.5% average annual returns over 10 years versus 3.6%-5.6% for U.S. growth stocks. Two ETFs are highlighted as ways to gain exposure: SPDW (2,436 global stocks, 9.8% five-year returns) and VYMI (1,565 dividend-focused stocks, 14.1% five-year returns).

08/14/2026, 5:15 AM • The Motley Fool

Is Rule Breaker ASML the Snap Cola King Right Now?

ASML, a Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer, ranks as the top company in The Motley Fool's Rule Breakers database with a Superscore of 99. The article explains David Gardner's 'Snap Cola' investment concept—identifying top dogs and first-movers in important emerging industries. ASML qualifies as it created the EUV lithography category and is the sole producer of these critical chip-making systems. The stock has returned over 200% since its 2020 recommendation and has been recommended three additional times, demonstrating the value of holding quality companies long-term.

08/11/2026, 11:16 AM • The Motley Fool

TSMC vs. ASML: Which Is the Better Semiconductor Equipment Stock to Own for the Next 10 Years?

TSMC and ASML are identified as two of the best long-term semiconductor stocks due to their dominant market positions. TSMC controls 73% of the foundry market and 90% of advanced AI chips, while ASML dominates with 90% market share in lithography and 100% in extreme ultraviolet equipment. The article recommends both stocks but slightly favors TSMC due to its lower valuation (36x earnings vs. ASML's 56x) and more diversified customer base.

08/10/2026, 8:30 PM • The Motley Fool

Semiconductor Equipment Makers vs. Chip Designers: Who's Actually Winning the AI Cycle?

The article compares semiconductor equipment makers (ASML, Applied Materials) versus chip designers (Nvidia, Broadcom) in the AI boom. While equipment makers have outperformed over the past year, chip designers have higher profit margins (75-77% vs 50-54%) and greater pricing power, giving them a long-term advantage in capitalizing on the AI cycle despite massive capex investments expected to exceed $1 trillion next year.

08/10/2026, 4:30 PM • The Motley Fool

ASML Faces a Fresh Threat Out of China. Is the Dip in the Stock Worth Buying?

ASML's stock dipped after reports that a Chinese government-backed company is manufacturing its own DUV lithography systems. While this could accelerate the decline of ASML's Chinese business (which has already fallen from 41% to 16% of revenue due to export restrictions), the company's growing EUV system sales for high-end AI chips outside China could offset losses. Long-term investors are advised to view the dip as a buying opportunity rather than a major threat.

08/10/2026, 2:10 PM • The Motley Fool

Forget Taiwan Semiconductor: 2 AI Semiconductor Equipment Stocks to Buy and Hold Instead

The article argues that semiconductor equipment makers ASML and Applied Materials are better investment choices than Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing due to geopolitical risks in Taiwan. ASML, the sole producer of EUV lithography machines, has seen 17% annual revenue growth and a 145% stock increase over the past year. Applied Materials, which provides equipment for various chip manufacturing processes, projects 18% revenue growth this year and 29% in 2027, with a 200% stock increase over the past year.

08/07/2026, 12:30 PM • The Motley Fool

Will ASML Split Its Stock This Year?

ASML's share price has surged above $1,700, making it a candidate for a stock split. However, recent semiconductor sector weakness and ASML's high valuation (37x forward earnings) suggest a split is unlikely in 2026, with 2027 or 2028 being more probable. The company has not conducted a forward split since 2000.

08/05/2026, 3:17 PM • The Motley Fool

Why ASML Stock Lost 18% in July

ASML stock fell 18% in July due to a broader AI sector sell-off following reports of Anthropic developing its own AI chip, and concerns about Chinese competition in ultraviolet lithography machines. Despite beating Q2 earnings expectations and raising full-year guidance, these headwinds outweighed positive results.

08/04/2026, 8:30 PM • The Motley Fool

Asian Stocks Are Down 10% From June Highs. That Could Be Bad News for This Semiconductor Index.

Asian stocks have declined 10% since June 22, with semiconductor stocks particularly hard hit as investors worry AI hyperscalers may scale back spending on data centers. The iShares Semiconductor ETF has fallen 22.9% since June, raising questions about whether the recent sell-off is temporary or signals a longer-term repricing of chip stocks amid concerns about AI investment sustainability.

08/03/2026, 9:30 AM • The Motley Fool