Across Borders: My US Market Journey

Table of Contents AI is Driving the U.S. Stock Market in 2025 Why AI-Focused ETFs Are Gaining Traction QQQ – Invesco Nasdaq-100 ETF AIQ – Global X AI & Technology ETF SOXX – iShares Semiconductor ETF Key Insights Conclusion AI is Driving the U.S. Stock Market in 2025 The U.S. stock market continues to climb in 2025, largely fueled by the rapid growth and integration of artificial intelligence technologies. What started as a semiconductor-led rally in 2023 has evolved into a broader tech resurgence, with AI impacting enterprise software, cloud infrastructure, and digital services. Standout earnings from Nvidia and its record-breaking valuation have reignited investor enthusiasm for semiconductors. Meanwhile, companies like Salesforce, Autodesk, and Duolingo are showing that AI is translating into real revenue growth—not just market buzz. BlackRock notes that the next wave of AI investing could shift from hardware to software. Related News: - Nvi...

Investing in the Entire U.S. Market: VTI vs. ITOT vs. SCHB When it comes to investing in the U.S. stock market, most people think of the S&P 500 or the Nasdaq 100. But what if you want to invest in the entire U.S. stock market—large caps, mid caps, small caps, and everything in between? That’s where total market ETFs come in. In this article, we’ll compare three of the most popular options: VTI , ITOT , and SCHB . Table of Contents Quick Comparison Table What Is a Total Market ETF? Differences Between VTI, ITOT, and SCHB Performance Overview Dividend Yield and Tax Efficiency Which One Should You Choose? Summary Quick Comparison Table ETF Issuer Expense Ratio # of Holdings Dividend Yield Inception Year VTI Vanguard 0.03% ~3,900 ~1.5% 2001 ITOT iShares 0.03% ~3,700 ~1.4% 2004 ...

Why I Like SCHD: A Dividend Growth ETF for Long-Term Investors Table of Contents What Is SCHD ETF? Key Features of SCHD Sector and Holdings Breakdown SCHD Performance Overview How Does SCHD Compare to Other Dividend ETFs? Is SCHD a Good Investment for You? Why I Personally Like SCHD FAQs About SCHD Conclusion What Is SCHD ETF? SCHD, officially known as the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF, is one of the most popular dividend-focused ETFs available today. Managed by Charles Schwab, it was launched in October 2011 and has since gained massive popularity among long-term and income-focused investors. It tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, which includes high-quality U.S. companies with a consistent record of dividend payments and strong fundamentals. Ticker: SCHD Launch Date: October 20, 2011 Expense Ratio: 0.06% Issuer: Charles Schwab Assets Under Management (AUM): Over $55 Billion Key Features of SCHD ✅ ...

Top Nasdaq ETFs in 2025: Comparing QQQ, QQQM, and More Table of Contents 1. Why the Nasdaq Matters 2. What Is the Nasdaq Index? 3. Comparing Top Nasdaq ETFs 4. Breakdown of Each ETF 5. Final Thoughts 1. Why the Nasdaq Matters The Nasdaq Composite Index includes many of the world’s most innovative technology companies. Over the past few years, it has become a popular choice for investors who want exposure to high-growth sectors. Although the index is more volatile compared to the S&P 500, it has offered substantial returns—especially during the tech and AI boom in recent years. 2. What Is the Nasdaq Index? The Nasdaq index tracks more than 3,000 companies listed on the Nasdaq exchange. It's known for its heavy weighting in technology stocks, including Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Amazon. Historically, the Nasdaq has experienced greater ups and downs than other indices. However, its long-term performance remains impressive. Lon...

Why I'm Investing in the U.S. Stock Market as a Foreigner Table of Contents How I Got Started with U.S. Stocks Why I Shifted to Index Investing The Strength of the U.S. Market Over Time What I Like About Index Funds Challenges for Foreign Investors How I Make It Work While Working Full-Time Final Thoughts for Fellow Foreign Investors How I Got Started with U.S. Stocks A few years ago, I didn’t know much about investing. Living in Korea, I started by buying well-known U.S. stocks like Apple and NVIDIA. I thought I was investing, but really, I was just reacting. I sold my shares as soon as they moved up a little, afraid they might drop. Looking back, I missed out on bigger gains—especially in 2023 when markets surged. I wasn’t checking the markets regularly because of work, and I realized this approach wasn’t sustainable. Why I Shifted to Index Investing I began asking myself: how can I invest without needing to track prices all the time? That questio...