An active ETF that combines quantitative analysis with fundamental research to actively select developed-market stocks outside the United States. By using both methods together, it picks holdings and maintains near-market-average exposure while pursuing excess returns.

It is suited for investors who want to add active management that blends quantitative and fundamental analysis to international equities.

This is an actively managed ETF run by MFS.

It combines quantitative analysis with fundamental research to actively select developed-market stocks outside the U.S. It maintains near-market-average exposure while tilting weights based on signals from both methods, aiming for excess returns while keeping tracking error versus the market within a manageable range.

• Blend of quantitative and fundamental analysis
• Weight tilts while maintaining market exposure

Assets under management (AUM) stand at $602.7M, with a total expense ratio of 0.34% per year.

Compared with plain market-cap-weighted international ETFs, the key point of comparison is its security selection that blends quantitative and fundamental analysis.

� MFS Blended Research International Equity ETF Performance and Flows

Developed international equities see flows diverge based on global risk appetite, dollar strength, and individual country cycles. Because the blended strategy maintains near-market-average exposure, performance generally tracks the market, with differences reflecting the weight tilts. Currency moves also play a role given the international allocation.

Blended international products see fund flows shift with global risk appetite, currency trends, and management performance, and money may rotate into this category when interest in international investing rises. Returns can also differ depending on each country's economic cycle and currency variables.

The blend of quantitative and fundamental selection is the main strength, while international risk, currency exposure, and limited excess returns are the considerations.

For those wanting a simpler developed-international exposure, direct alternatives include EFA and VEA, and for lower-fee developed-international exposure, products like IEFA are also worth comparing. The three products shown in the table — RODM, IDEQ, and SEIE — are each managed under multi-factor, dynamic, and selective international equity strategies, respectively, and differ in management approach. This ETF stands apart by combining quantitative and fundamental analysis to select international stocks.

Points to review before investing in BRIE. The blended quantitative and fundamental selection is appealing, but international risk, currency exposure, and limited excess return should be checked in advance. It is also a good idea to compare against plain international index products.

Slowdowns in individual country economies and currency swings, along with how the blended strategy's weight tilts play out, are the main variables for long-term performance, and because exposure stays close to the market, excess-return potential may be limited. During broad weakness in international equities, losses can occur.

It is a suitable candidate for investors who want to add active management that blends quantitative and fundamental analysis to international equities. If low cost and simple international exposure are the priority, products like EFA and VEA should be compared, and if a blended approach is preferred, this product should be weighed alongside them.

The blend of quantitative and fundamental selection is the main strength, while international risk, currency exposure, and limited excess returns are the considerations.

For those wanting a simpler developed-international exposure, direct alternatives include EFA and VEA, and for lower-fee developed-international exposure, products like IEFA are also worth comparing. The three products shown in the table — RODM, IDEQ, and SEIE — are each managed under multi-factor, dynamic, and selective international equity strategies, respectively, and differ in management approach. This ETF stands apart by combining quantitative and fundamental analysis to select international stocks.

Points to review before investing in BRIE. The blended quantitative and fundamental selection is appealing, but international risk, currency exposure, and limited excess return should be checked in advance. It is also a good idea to compare against plain international index products.

Slowdowns in individual country economies and currency swings, along with how the blended strategy's weight tilts play out, are the main variables for long-term performance, and because exposure stays close to the market, excess-return potential may be limited. During broad weakness in international equities, losses can occur.

It is a suitable candidate for investors who want to add active management that blends quantitative and fundamental analysis to international equities. If low cost and simple international exposure are the priority, products like EFA and VEA should be compared, and if a blended approach is preferred, this product should be weighed alongside them.