ACWI vs. MOTG

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

ACWI (iShares MSCI ACWI ETF) and MOTG (VanEck Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF) are both Global Equities funds - ACWI tracks the MSCI All Country World Index while MOTG tracks the Morningstar Global Wide Moat Focus Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ACWI returned 10.62%/yr vs 5.99%/yr for MOTG. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ACWI charges 0.32%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for MOTG.

Performance

ACWI vs. MOTG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI) and VanEck Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF (MOTG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ACWI achieves a 9.71% return, which is significantly higher than MOTG's -2.75% return.

ACWI

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: -0.49%
• YTD: 9.71%
• 6M: 8.77%
• 1Y: 23.79%
• 3Y*: 19.95%
• 5Y*: 10.62%
• 10Y*: 13.07%

MOTG

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: -2.97%
• YTD: -2.75%
• 6M: -3.04%
• 1Y: 5.87%
• 3Y*: 12.00%
• 5Y*: 5.99%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

ACWI vs. MOTG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ACWI iShares MSCI ACWI ETF	9.71%	22.41%	17.45%	22.27%	-18.39%	18.66%	16.34%	26.59%	-4.76%
MOTG VanEck Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF	-2.75%	26.06%	9.31%	11.00%	-11.34%	14.68%	16.06%	30.43%	-3.89%

Correlation

The correlation between ACWI and MOTG is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2018	0.92

The correlation between ACWI and MOTG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

ACWI vs. MOTG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ACWI	MOTG
Technology	33.0%	19.3%
Financial Services	15.9%	6.3%
Industrials	10.3%	26.3%
Consumer Cyclical	8.6%	9.5%
Communication Services	8.0%	6.6%
Healthcare	7.7%	14.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	16.8%
Basic Materials	3.6%	1.1%
Energy	3.6%	-
Utilities	2.7%	-
Real Estate	1.6%	-

Return for Risk

ACWI vs. MOTG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

ACWI

ACWI Risk / Return Rank: 59
ACWI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
ACWI Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
ACWI Omega Ratio Rank: 58
ACWI Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
ACWI Martin Ratio Rank: 65

MOTG

MOTG Risk / Return Rank: 15
MOTG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
MOTG Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
MOTG Omega Ratio Rank: 14
MOTG Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
MOTG Martin Ratio Rank: 16

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

ACWI vs. MOTG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI) and VanEck Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF (MOTG). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	ACWI	MOTG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	0.42	+1.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	0.69	+1.75
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.08	+0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.46	0.47	+1.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.66	1.45	+9.21

ACWI vs. MOTG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ACWI Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is higher than the MOTG Sharpe Ratio of 0.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ACWI and MOTG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

ACWI vs. MOTG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ACWI drawdown since its inception was -56.00%, which is greater than MOTG's maximum drawdown of -31.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ACWI and MOTG.

Drawdown Indicators

	ACWI	MOTG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.00%	-31.82%	-24.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.73%	-12.56%	+2.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.55%	-15.31%	-1.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.42%	-24.29%	-2.13%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.53%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.96%	-8.08%	+5.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.59%	-4.96%	-3.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.24%	4.06%	-1.82%

Volatility

ACWI vs. MOTG - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI) has a higher volatility of 5.57% compared to VanEck Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF (MOTG) at 3.88%. This indicates that ACWI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MOTG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ACWI	MOTG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.57%	3.88%	+1.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.35%	11.60%	-0.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.62%	14.13%	-0.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.19%	15.90%	+0.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.07%	17.83%	-0.76%

ACWI vs. MOTG - Expense Ratio Comparison

ACWI has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is lower than MOTG's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

ACWI vs. MOTG - Dividend Comparison

ACWI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.46%, less than MOTG's 18.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACWI iShares MSCI ACWI ETF	1.46%	1.55%	1.70%	1.88%	1.79%	1.71%	1.43%	2.33%	2.18%	1.94%	2.19%	2.56%
MOTG VanEck Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF	18.25%	17.75%	5.60%	1.86%	3.64%	5.88%	2.96%	3.91%	0.45%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ACWI and MOTG in my portfolio?

ACWI and MOTG have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ACWI or MOTG?

ACWI has higher volatility (5.57%) compared to MOTG (3.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ACWI dropped -56.00% vs MOTG's -31.82%.

Which ETF is better, ACWI or MOTG?

On 5-year performance, ACWI leads with 10.62% vs 5.99% for MOTG. On fees, ACWI is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, MOTG has been the lower-risk option at 3.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ACWI or MOTG?

Over the 5-year period, ACWI has performed better with a 10.62% return vs 5.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ACWI or MOTG?

ACWI is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for MOTG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ACWI or MOTG?

MOTG has the higher dividend yield at 18.25%, compared with 1.46% for ACWI.

What is the main difference between ACWI and MOTG?

ACWI tracks MSCI All Country World Index, while MOTG tracks Morningstar Global Wide Moat Focus Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.32% for ACWI and 0.52% for MOTG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ACWI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.76 vs 0.42), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.