4 Strong Overseas ETFs

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- It's been a trying period for internationally-minded investors in 2011.

With political turmoil sweeping through the Middle East and Northern Africa, debt issues gripping the European Union and Japan still struggling to recover after its devastating earthquake, finding investing solace outside the U.S. borders requires a careful eye and plenty of patience.

Although at this time the options appear slim, there are nations out there that have exhibited strength. By using ETFs, investors can keep these countries on the radar.

Chile

On a number of occasions last year, I pointed to Latin America as an attractive region for global investors. As analysts and commentators remained fixated on Europe's looming debt issues and concerns regarding the strength of China's growth picture, nations such as Brazil, Mexico and Chile managed to fly under the radar.

In 2011, the continent to the south of the U.S. has remained an attractive region for investors looking to avoid direct exposure to many of the events that are currently dominating headlines. Despite weakness during the first quarter of the year, Chile's marketplace has become a particularly impressive performer.

Investors can target this nation through the iShares MSCI Chile Investable Market Index Fund (ECH).

As one of the world's leading copper producers, Chile has benefited as investors have scoured the globe looking for ways to take part in the broad commodities rally.

A hearty slice of ECH's portfolio is dedicated to miners and other firms in the materials sector. Utilities, however, comprise the largest slice of the fund's index. Exposure to this defensive sector will likely provide conservative investors with comfort.

Canada

As I've explained in recent weeks, Canada appears to be a promising destination for international investors. Designed to track the largest and most liquid companies from our northern neighbor, the iShares MSCI Canada Index Fund (EWC) presents a stable way investors can tap into the nation's strengths.

On top of boasting a stable financial system, Canada has ample natural resources, making it an attractive destination for investors looking for developed market exposure to hard assets. EWC's index is topped by a combination of banks, energy firms, and miners. Royal Bank of Canada (RV), Suncor Energy (SU), Potash of Saskatchewan (POT) and Barrick Gold (ABX) are among the fund's largest individual components.

Sweden

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