Investors lack knowledge.

The weakened dollar makes foreign businesses attractive to U.S. investors, but many are ignorant of companies that aren’t based in the United States, according to the Dow Jones Wealth Management Advisory Council.

“The majority of the world’s business is not U.S.-based,” said Michael Sawyer, a member of the council who is managing director of wealth management for Citi Family Office. “The high-net-worth investor’s portfolio should mirror the geographical diversity of the global markets to provide protection from regional market swings and currency fluctuations.
 
“Most U.S. investors would be hard-pressed to name five companies listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange,” Sawyer said. “It takes global insight and research capabilities to counsel clients on exposure to new markets in 2008 and beyond.”

The council is made up of wealth managers.