Glastonbury, Conn. – September 29, 2026 -- Symmetry Partners has launched the Symmetry Panoramic International Country Momentum ETF (Ticker: ICMO), a rules-based fund that rotates capital toward international countries and regions showing the strongest relative momentum within the MSCI ACWI ex-US universe.
Top-performing countries have averaged nearly 27% annual returns over 15 years
According to Morningstar Direct data through August 25, 2026, the 13 best-performing countries over the trailing 15-year period generated average annual returns of almost 27%, based on MSCI indices. Symmetry cites this dispersion as the rationale for a momentum-driven allocation model targeting shifting country leadership rather than static regional weights.
ICMO allocates 75% to top-momentum countries and 25% to broader regional signals
The fund directs 75% of its portfolio to the highest-performing countries identified through 6- and 12-month momentum signals. The remaining 25% is allocated to one of three international regions -- International Developed, Emerging Markets, or Total International Market -- selected using the same momentum methodology. The strategy relies on cross-sectional momentum, ranking assets against one another based on recent return strength, combined with a disciplined rebalancing schedule.
Fund targets advisors seeking alternatives to static international core holdings
Symmetry positions ICMO as a tool that can replace or supplement a traditional international core allocation, substitute for active international strategies, or enhance existing factor-tilted portfolios. The firm points to recent strong performance in International and Emerging Markets equities as a backdrop supporting demand for dynamic, factor-based exposure.
Launch follows September 2025 sector momentum ETF from the same firm
David Connelly, CEO of Symmetry Partners, said ICMO extends the firm's rules-based product lineup and complements the Symmetry Panoramic Sector Momentum ETF (Ticker: SMOM), which launched in September 2025. The new fund is distributed by SEI Investment Distribution Co. (SIDCO), an entity unaffiliated with Symmetry Partners or Vident Asset Management.
Principal risks disclosed for the fund include market risk, foreign investment and currency risk, index tracking error, momentum style risk, quantitative investing risk, and high portfolio turnover risk, among others outlined in the fund's prospectus.