ASML Among Top ETF Holdings Driving 20.6% ETF Return and 2.2% Yield
iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF holds ASML among its top five positions and delivered a 20.55% return over the past 12 months with a 2.19% dividend yield and 0.20% expense ratio. Retirees are using the ETF’s ESG-filtered basket, including ASML, for international dividend income.
1. ASML’s Role in ESGD
The ETF holds over 400 positions with ASML ranked among its top five holdings, providing investors exposure to the semiconductor equipment leader within an ESG-screened international portfolio alongside companies like Novartis and Roche.
2. Performance Metrics
Over the trailing twelve months, the fund returned 20.55% and is up about 3% year-to-date, while offering a 2.19% dividend yield and maintaining a low 0.20% expense ratio to optimize net returns.
3. Retiree Strategy
Income-focused retirees leverage the ETF’s semi-annual distributions, which include dividends from ASML, to balance ethical investing with reliable international income streams, accepting semi-annual payment variability.
4. Risks and Considerations
Investors face currency volatility that can erode US-based returns, variable dividend payouts year to year, and an ESG filter that still permits holdings like fossil fuel producers alongside ASML.