Global Investing Week

As the U.S. grapples with slow growth, stubbornly high unemployment, a heavy debt load, and political gridlock, some investors are looking overseas for a safe haven or to add diversification. But is the grass really greener on the other side of the ocean?

Morningstar.com checked in with our own analysts and strategists, as well as some of our favorite fund managers, to draw a global map for investors. We explored the growth drivers of the world's economies and the outlook for global investment returns (note: the two don't always correspond). We also offered some practical tips for allocating assets to overseas investments and some specific picks for international investors.

Best of Global Investing Week: Reader Favorites & Editor Picks
Patient Investors Rewarded Overseas 
Despite large ongoing redemptions among certain foreign-stock categories, those who have stayed invested have earned a positive year-to-date return.

What's the Right Foreign Allocation?
Understand how to go global without going out on a limb.

Investing in the Emerging-Market Consumer
Opportunity awaits consumer companies in emerging markets, but infrastructure and financing hurdles require long-term perspective.

Europe: The Good, the Bad, and the Overlooked
While all of Europe is feeling an economic pinch, there continue to exist numerous companies that offer long-term competitive advantages.

Don't Overpay for Foreign Exposure
Morningstar's Heather Brilliant says better revenue opportunities exist in the U.S. now than in foreign markets, and investors should demand discounts for firms with large non-U.S. sales footprints.

A Cure for China's Hangover
Investors looking to avoid the pain of China's slowdown should keep a close watch on consumer-oriented stocks, says Morningstar's Dan Rohr.

Where Our Favorite World-Allocation Managers Are Investing

Monday: State of the World
Patient Investors Rewarded Overseas 
Despite large ongoing redemptions among certain foreign-stock categories, those who have stayed invested have earned a positive year-to-date return. (Video)

Can the U.S. Recovery Stay Ahead of the Pack? 
The U.S. economy has surged ahead of other major markets since 2009, but investors can't ignore the potential risk factors of a collapse elsewhere, says Morningstar's Bob Johnson. (Video)

Don't Overpay for Foreign Exposure 
Morningstar's Heather Brilliant says better revenue opportunities exist in the U.S. now than in foreign markets, and investors should demand discounts for firms with large non-U.S. sales footprints. (Video) 

Why Have Global Correlations Increased?
We look at some potential reasons why foreign stocks aren't as great diversifiers today as they were in the past. 

The Slow-Growth World 
The U.S. is doing comparatively well as Europe struggles and the emerging economies slow.

Tuesday: Asian Outlook
A Cure for China's Hangover 
Investors looking to avoid the pain of China's slowdown should keep a close watch on consumer-oriented stocks, says Morningstar's Dan Rohr. (Video) 

Has China Hit Its Growth Limit? 
China's historical growth drivers have started to plateau, but many untapped industries--particularly in the services sector--are set to take the lead, says Seafarer's Andrew Foster. (Video)

How China's Consumer Sector Will Pay Dividends 
As investment in fixed assets declines, consumption will drive GDP growth in China, and consumer cyclicals offer high yields and good valuations, says Matthews Asia's Jesper Madsen. (Video)

Are Emerging-Markets Bonds Overheating? 
Flows have been high into developing-markets debt ETFs as investors seek more yield, but several funds are apt to manage the credit risks. (Video)

Investing in the Emerging-Market Consumer 
Opportunity awaits consumer companies in emerging markets, but infrastructure and financing hurdles require long-term perspective.  

Wednesday: What's Next for Europe? 
Europe: The Good, the Bad, and the Overlooked
While all of Europe is feeling an economic pinch, there continue to exist numerous companies that offer long-term competitive advantages.

Europe Still Papering Over Problems 
The European Central Bank has helped soothe short-term sovereign debt worries in Europe, but long-term competiveness must be improved for the crisis to fully fade away, says Morningstar's Dave Sekera. (Video)

Europe Needs Credible Political Leadership 
There are good opportunities in Europe if you believe that the region's political leaders will be able to hold the euro together, says Seven Investment Management's Justin Urquhart Stewart. (Video)

European Stocks Remain a Better Value Than the U.S. 
The overall growth picture looks quite weak, but valuations of European stocks look compelling, says Morningstar OBSR's Peter Toogood. (Video)

Should You Bank on Europe? 
Although European banks are trying to build a large buffer against continental turmoil, the risks are still there, according to Morningstar's Erin Davis.

Bank of England's Dreary View May Send U.K. Banks Looking for Additional Capital 
We explore which financial institutions are the most likely to dilute shareholders.

Thursday: International Allocation
Why You Should Invest Beyond Borders 
With more than 50% of the global market cap being outside the U.S., investors are missing good opportunities if they take a domestic-only approach, says Morningstar's Marta Norton. (Video)

Does Your Portfolio Have a Home-Country Bias? 
U.S. investors are much more globally diversified than many investors abroad, but when it comes to fixed income, it pays to stay home, says Vanguard's Chris Philips. (Video)

How to Trade Foreign Stocks Without Leaving the U.S. 
American depositary receipts provide individual investors with a way to invest abroad using U.S. exchanges and U.S. dollars. 

What's the Right Foreign Allocation?
Understand how to go global without going out on a limb.

Check Up on Your Foreign Bond Exposure 
Make sure you're comfortable with any extra currency risk in your portfolio. 

How Currency Risk Affects You
Gain some control over an often powerful force. 

How to Cash In (or Not) on Currency Exposure
A globetrotting portfolio could have an impact on your bottom line.

Friday: Global Picks
Ideas for Global Growth 
Emerging markets will drive global economic expansion during the next 20 years, and the consumer sector will have significant advantages in these areas, says Artisan fund manager Mark Yockey. (Video)

Look Abroad for These Bargain Names 
Some foreign stocks, in a wide range of industries, are garnering 5 stars.

Where Our Favorite World-Allocation Managers Are Investing 
A very difficult investing environment has forced many managers to try atypical strategies, says Morningstar's Kevin McDevitt. (Video) 

Our Picks for Global ETF Exposure
Low-volatility strategies look attractive for developed-markets exposure today, says Morningstar's Sam Lee. (Video) 

A Strong Economy Doesn't Equal Strong Returns 
There is effectively zero correlation over long periods of time between a country's GDP growth and stock market returns, according to Vanguard chief economist Joe Davis. (Video)

The Value in International Growth 
Get higher-quality, more-defensive names in this foreign growth fund.

Globetrotting Funds We Like 
World-stock funds offer one-stop diversification with the leeway to shift in and out of trouble spots.

Getting Creative With Foreign-Focused CEFs 
Morningstar's Steve Pikelny discusses his closed-end fund ideas for international fixed-income and equity exposure and the advantages for using CEFs in these areas. (Video)