ACWI vs VXUS
ACWI vs VXUS
iShares MSCI ACWI ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACWI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $32.1B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.43% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 2,280 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.50% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.21% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.24% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.65% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ACWI vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ACWI returned +22.21% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, ACWI is up 10.50% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, ACWI compounded at +18.24% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.65% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, ACWI has the edge at +6.91% annualized vs +4.66%. 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 VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.95. 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 VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $5 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACWI currently yields 1.43% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ACWI and VXUS share 605 holdings out of 8569 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ACWI | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2330:TW | 1.84% | 3.41% | 1.57% |
| ASML:AS | 0.70% | 1.29% | 0.59% |
| 000660:KR | 0.82% | 0.90% | 0.08% |
| HSBA:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NOVN:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AZN:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 9988:HK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NESN:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RY:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SHEL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings ACWI shares with VXUS 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 VXUS?
ACWI has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACWI or VXUS?
Over the past year ACWI returned +22.21% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ACWI annualized +6.91% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACWI or VXUS?
ACWI has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ACWI -56.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ACWI and VXUS?
ACWI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 VXUS?
ACWI and VXUS share 605 common holdings with a 21.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8569 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACWI or VXUS?
ACWI yields 1.43% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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