This ETF offers exposure to large cap Japanese stocks, making DBJP one of several ETFs for establishing targeted exposure to one of the world’s largest economies. This product is unique from many ETFs in the Japan Equities ETFdb Category in that DBJP hedges out the currency exposure that an investment in international equities brings. This essentially delivers isolated exposure to the performance of the underlying equities in local prices. The impact of currency appreciation or depreciation can be significant in many cases, especially considering the sometimes meaningful swings in the JPY/USD exchange rate. Though EWJ and DBJP maintain substantially identical portfolios, the risk/return profiles of these ETFs may vary significantly.
This ETF offers exposure to large cap Japanese stocks, making DBJP one of several ETFs for establishing targeted exposure to one of the world’s largest economies. This product is unique from many ETFs in the Japan Equities ETFdb Category in that DBJP hedges out the currency exposure that an investment in international equities brings. This essentially delivers isolated exposure to the performance of the underlying equities in local prices. The impact of currency appreciation or depreciation can be significant in many cases, especially considering the sometimes meaningful swings in the JPY/USD exchange rate. Though EWJ and DBJP maintain substantially identical portfolios, the risk/return profiles of these ETFs may vary significantly.
Investors who expect the U.S. dollar to appreciate relative to the yen might prefer this fund as a way to bet on the performance of Japanese stocks; DBJP should outperform EWJ when the U.S. currency strengthens. Those expecting the dollar to lose value relative to its Japanese rival will probably prefer to leave currency exposure unhedged, utilizing a fund such as EWJ instead. Those investors without a strong view in either direction might use a mix of both hedged and unhedged Japan equity ETFs (e.g., 50% DBJP and 50% EWJ).
Given the relatively narrow country-specific focus of this ETF, DBJP may be most useful to those looking to establish a tactical tilt towards Japan or implementing a country rotation strategy. The more broad-based DBEF includes exposure to Japanese stocks as well as other ex-U.S. international equities, as do a handful of other EAFE ETFs. Those looking for exposure to Japanese stocks that steers clear of currency risk also have DXJ to consider; that WisdomTree ETF employs a similar strategy to eliminate the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, and is linked to a dividend-weighted index that will impact the shape of the underlying portfolio.