International Investing

Until recently, many investors stayed clear of international stocks. Financial advisors recommended small allocations of 10% or so to international stocks for diversification, but for the most part, they told their clients to focus on U.S. stocks. Fears of currency devaluations, unfamiliar business practices, and lack of transparency seemed to support these arguments, as did the robust performance of U.S. markets.

But now, the global economy has made it clear that strong companies can be found all over the world. If you arbitrarily rule out companies outside the U.S., you might still make money, but you'll miss out on a host of lucrative investments in the world's fastest-growing economies.

Global Gains
The Motley Fool's Global Gains newsletter is designed to help investors take advantage of the potential that international stocks offer. It's advised by veteran Foolish analyst and longtime globetrotter Bill Mann and his team of experienced international investors.

Bill and his team are constantly researching international companies, measuring them against a rigorous set of criteria. There's no place they won't look, because they know that the great investments of tomorrow aren't necessarily the well-known international firms of today. (Though you shouldn't be surprised when one of the big boys turns up here, either!) Every month, they offer two Global Gains recommendations -- stocks they think offer enormous potential for growth from today's prices -- as well as additional stock ideas and investing lessons.

You can also find out more about international investing from these articles:

• The Greatest Opportunity in Our Lifetime
• Why You Must Own International Stocks
• Your Dollars Are Bleeding to Death

To see what The Motley Fool’s Global Gains advisor, Bill Mann, is recommending to his readers now, take a free 30-day trial of Global Gains today.