ACWI vs. VEGA

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

ACWI (iShares MSCI ACWI ETF) and VEGA (AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF) are both Global Equities funds. ACWI is passively managed, while VEGA is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, ACWI returned 12.82%/yr vs 7.95%/yr for VEGA. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ACWI charges 0.32%/yr vs 2.02%/yr for VEGA.

Performance

ACWI vs. VEGA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI) and AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF (VEGA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ACWI achieves a 12.47% return, which is significantly higher than VEGA's 7.40% return. Over the past 10 years, ACWI has outperformed VEGA with an annualized return of 12.82%, while VEGA has yielded a comparatively lower 7.95% annualized return.

ACWI

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 4.45%
• YTD: 12.47%
• 6M: 13.07%
• 1Y: 29.24%
• 3Y*: 21.38%
• 5Y*: 11.35%
• 10Y*: 12.82%

VEGA

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: 2.60%
• YTD: 7.40%
• 6M: 7.26%
• 1Y: 18.86%
• 3Y*: 14.10%
• 5Y*: 7.32%
• 10Y*: 7.95%

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

ACWI vs. VEGA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ACWI iShares MSCI ACWI ETF	12.47%	22.41%	17.45%	22.27%	-18.39%	18.66%	16.34%	26.59%	-9.19%	24.33%
VEGA AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF	7.40%	15.83%	11.20%	15.12%	-15.02%	12.36%	8.37%	19.29%	-6.58%	11.50%

Correlation

The correlation between ACWI and VEGA is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 19, 2012	0.73

The correlation between ACWI and VEGA shifts across timeframes, from 0.73 (all time) to 0.91 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ACWI vs. VEGA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ACWI	VEGA
Technology	29.4%	31.7%
Financial Services	16.1%	14.6%
Industrials	10.9%	10.8%
Consumer Cyclical	9.3%	10.1%
Communication Services	9.0%	9.3%
Healthcare	8.1%	8.4%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	4.6%
Energy	4.2%	3.5%
Basic Materials	3.7%	2.6%
Utilities	2.6%	2.6%
Real Estate	1.8%	1.8%

Return for Risk

ACWI vs. VEGA — Risk / Return Rank

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

ACWI

ACWI Risk / Return Rank: 70
ACWI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
ACWI Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
ACWI Omega Ratio Rank: 71
ACWI Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
ACWI Martin Ratio Rank: 73

VEGA

VEGA Risk / Return Rank: 64
VEGA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VEGA Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
VEGA Omega Ratio Rank: 65
VEGA Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VEGA Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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. VEGA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI) and AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF (VEGA). 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.

	ACWI	VEGA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.30	2.09	+0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.17	2.96	+0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.39	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.02	2.76	+0.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.55	12.41	+1.15
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ACWI vs. VEGA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ACWI Sharpe Ratio is 2.30, which is comparable to the VEGA Sharpe Ratio of 2.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ACWI and VEGA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ACWI	VEGA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.30	2.09	+0.21
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71	0.60	+0.11
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75	0.63	+0.12
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.43	0.53	-0.10

Drawdowns

ACWI vs. VEGA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ACWI drawdown since its inception was -56.00%, which is greater than VEGA's maximum drawdown of -28.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ACWI and VEGA.

Drawdown Indicators

	ACWI	VEGA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.00%	-28.37%	-27.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.73%	-6.86%	-2.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.55%	-11.62%	-4.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.42%	-22.78%	-3.64%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.53%	-28.37%	-5.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.53%	-0.23%	-0.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.61%	-3.79%	-4.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.16%	1.52%	+0.64%

Volatility

ACWI vs. VEGA - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI) has a higher volatility of 3.83% compared to AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF (VEGA) at 2.65%. This indicates that ACWI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VEGA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ACWI	VEGA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.83%	2.65%	+1.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.30%	7.45%	+2.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.79%	9.06%	+3.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.05%	12.29%	+3.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.11%	12.70%	+4.41%

ACWI vs. VEGA - Expense Ratio Comparison

ACWI has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is lower than VEGA's 2.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

ACWI vs. VEGA - Dividend Comparison

ACWI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.38%, more than VEGA's 1.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACWI iShares MSCI ACWI ETF	1.38%	1.55%	1.70%	1.88%	1.79%	1.71%	1.43%	2.33%	2.18%	1.94%	2.19%	2.56%
VEGA AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF	1.25%	1.34%	1.05%	1.12%	1.89%	0.55%	0.28%	0.44%	0.45%	0.00%	0.81%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ACWI and VEGA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, ACWI and VEGA move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, ACWI or VEGA?

ACWI has higher volatility (3.83%) compared to VEGA (2.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ACWI dropped -56.00% vs VEGA's -28.37%.

Which ETF is better, ACWI or VEGA?

On 10-year performance, ACWI leads with 12.82% vs 7.95% for VEGA. On fees, ACWI is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, VEGA has been the lower-risk option at 2.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ACWI or VEGA?

Over the 10-year period, ACWI has performed better with a 12.82% return vs 7.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ACWI or VEGA?

ACWI is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 2.02% for VEGA.

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

ACWI has the higher dividend yield at 1.38%, compared with 1.25% for VEGA.

What is the main difference between ACWI and VEGA?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and AdvisorShares. Their fees differ too: 0.32% for ACWI and 2.02% for VEGA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ACWI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.30 vs 2.09), 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.