Funds that invest in foreign stocks have had a standout year, but the performance varies based on investment style. Over the past year, value stocks outperformed growth stocks overseas, which explains why Fidelity International Growth (FIGFX) achieved a 12-month gain of 15%. While it matched large foreign growth stock funds and the MSCI EAFE Growth Index, it lagged behind the broader MSCI EAFE index, which rose 23%.
The fund’s performance benefited from theme-driven investments, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Notable successes included Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM), whose stock doubled in price, and BAE Systems (BAESY), which saw a 62% rise in 2025. However, not owning shares in key AI infrastructure companies didn’t help the fund’s returns. Still, fund manager Jed Weiss appears to favor investments in firms with industry niches and solid growth prospects. Since its inception in 2007, the fund has delivered a 6% annualized return.
