ACWI vs IVV
ACWI vs IVV
iShares MSCI ACWI ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. ACWI delivered stronger 1-year returns. ACWI offers more diversification with 1315 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACWI | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $32.1B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.43% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 2,280 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +14.04% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.04% | +23.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.30% | +21.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.17% | +13.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2008 | May 15, 2000 |
ACWI vs IVV Performance
iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year ACWI returned +25.04% while IVV returned +23.70%. Year to date, ACWI is up 14.04% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, ACWI compounded at +20.30% per year against +21.49% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +11.17% and +13.43% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, ACWI has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ACWI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 15.1% for IVV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.3% for ACWI and -56.5% for IVV. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ACWI charges 0.32% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $3 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACWI currently yields 1.43% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
ACWI and IVV share 382 holdings out of 1438 unique holdings combined, representing a 58.6% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ACWI | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 4.40% | 7.76% | 3.36% |
| AAPL | 4.47% | 7.44% | 2.97% |
| MSFT | 2.66% | 4.57% | 1.91% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings ACWI shares with IVV Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ACWI or IVV?
ACWI has an expense ratio of 0.32% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACWI or IVV?
Over the past year ACWI returned +25.04% vs +23.70% for IVV, so ACWI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), ACWI annualized +7.09% vs +7.05% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACWI or IVV?
ACWI has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: ACWI -56.3% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both ACWI and IVV?
ACWI and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between ACWI and IVV?
ACWI and IVV share 382 common holdings with a 58.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1438 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACWI or IVV?
ACWI yields 1.43% while IVV yields 1.09%, so ACWI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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