ACWI vs VT
ACWI vs VT
iShares MSCI ACWI ETF vs Vanguard Total World Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VT has a lower expense ratio. ACWI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VT offers more diversification with 8926 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACWI | VT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $32.1B | $77.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.43% | 1.61% | |
| Holdings | 2,280 | 10,133 | |
| YTD Return | +10.50% | +10.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.21% | +22.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.24% | +18.21% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.65% | +10.58% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 16.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.3% | -50.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2008 | Jun 24, 2008 |
ACWI vs VT Performance
iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ACWI returned +22.21% while VT returned +22.06%. Year to date, ACWI is up 10.50% versus a gain of 10.34% for VT.
Over three years, ACWI compounded at +18.24% per year against +18.21% for VT; over five years the annualized figures are +10.65% and +10.58% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VT has the edge at +7.17% annualized vs +6.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 16.6% for ACWI. 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 -50.6% for VT. 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 0.99. 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 VT charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $6 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACWI currently yields 1.43% against 1.61% for VT.
Holdings Overlap
ACWI and VT share 1030 holdings out of 9210 unique holdings combined, representing a 66.7% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ACWI | Weight in VT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 4.40% | 4.14% | 0.26% |
| AAPL | 4.47% | 3.47% | 1.00% |
| MSFT | 2.66% | 2.68% | 0.02% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings ACWI shares with VT 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 VT?
ACWI has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VT charges 0.06%. VT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACWI or VT?
Over the past year ACWI returned +22.21% vs +22.06% for VT, so ACWI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), ACWI annualized +6.91% vs +7.17% for VT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACWI or VT?
VT has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 16.6% for ACWI. Worst drawdown: ACWI -56.3% vs VT -50.6%.
Should I hold both ACWI and VT?
ACWI and VT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 VT?
ACWI and VT share 1030 common holdings with a 66.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9210 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACWI or VT?
ACWI yields 1.43% while VT yields 1.61%, so VT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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