ACWX vs. SPDW

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ACWX (iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF) and SPDW (SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - ACWX tracks the MSCI All Country World ex-U.S. Index while SPDW tracks the S&P Developed Ex-U.S. BMI Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ACWX returned 10.06%/yr vs 10.63%/yr for SPDW. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ACWX charges 0.32%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SPDW.

Performance

ACWX vs. SPDW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (ACWX) and SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with ACWX having a 12.88% return and SPDW slightly higher at 13.29%. Over the past 10 years, ACWX has underperformed SPDW with an annualized return of 10.06%, while SPDW has yielded a comparatively higher 10.63% annualized return.

ACWX

• 1D: -3.17%
• 1M: 0.91%
• YTD: 12.88%
• 6M: 12.78%
• 1Y: 29.85%
• 3Y*: 19.03%
• 5Y*: 8.31%
• 10Y*: 10.06%

SPDW

• 1D: -2.99%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 13.29%
• 6M: 13.11%
• 1Y: 30.23%
• 3Y*: 19.45%
• 5Y*: 9.30%
• 10Y*: 10.63%

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

ACWX vs. SPDW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ACWX iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF	12.88%	32.59%	5.17%	15.63%	-16.07%	7.67%	10.29%	21.05%	-13.99%	27.20%
SPDW SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF	13.29%	34.75%	3.55%	17.81%	-15.98%	11.45%	9.90%	22.41%	-14.22%	25.81%

Correlation

The correlation between ACWX and SPDW is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 31, 2008	0.95

The correlation between ACWX and SPDW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

ACWX vs. SPDW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ACWX	SPDW
Technology	23.8%	16.8%
Financial Services	23.7%	22.2%
Industrials	13.6%	18.4%
Consumer Cyclical	7.0%	7.8%
Basic Materials	6.6%	7.3%
Healthcare	6.5%	7.9%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	5.4%
Communication Services	4.6%	3.9%
Energy	4.4%	4.9%
Utilities	2.9%	3.0%
Real Estate	1.3%	2.3%

Return for Risk

ACWX vs. SPDW — Risk / Return Rank

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

ACWX

ACWX Risk / Return Rank: 55
ACWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
ACWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
ACWX Omega Ratio Rank: 55
ACWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
ACWX Martin Ratio Rank: 59

SPDW

SPDW Risk / Return Rank: 56
SPDW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
SPDW Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SPDW Omega Ratio Rank: 56
SPDW Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
SPDW Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

ACWX vs. SPDW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (ACWX) and SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW). 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.

	ACWX	SPDW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	1.82	-0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	2.50	-0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.33	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.62	2.63	0.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.05	10.15	-0.10

ACWX vs. SPDW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ACWX Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is comparable to the SPDW Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ACWX and SPDW, 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

ACWX vs. SPDW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ACWX drawdown since its inception was -60.40%, roughly equal to the maximum SPDW drawdown of -60.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ACWX and SPDW.

Drawdown Indicators

	ACWX	SPDW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.40%	-60.02%	-0.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.42%	-11.55%	+0.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.84%	-13.53%	-0.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.78%	-30.21%	+0.43%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.38%	-34.98%	-0.40%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.17%	-2.99%	-0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.30%	-12.88%	-0.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.98%	2.99%	-0.01%

Volatility

ACWX vs. SPDW - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (ACWX) and SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW) have volatilities of 7.37% and 7.05%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ACWX	SPDW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.37%	7.05%	+0.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.77%	14.59%	+0.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.74%	16.72%	+0.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.53%	16.70%	-0.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.27%	17.13%	+0.14%

ACWX vs. SPDW - Expense Ratio Comparison

ACWX has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is higher than SPDW's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

ACWX vs. SPDW - Dividend Comparison

ACWX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.54%, less than SPDW's 3.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACWX iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF	2.54%	2.82%	2.97%	2.96%	2.68%	2.74%	1.88%	3.22%	2.60%	2.40%	2.77%	2.51%
SPDW SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF	3.06%	3.30%	3.19%	2.75%	3.12%	3.04%	1.87%	3.13%	3.08%	1.86%	3.11%	2.78%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ACWX and SPDW in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, ACWX and SPDW 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, ACWX or SPDW?

ACWX has higher volatility (7.37%) compared to SPDW (7.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ACWX dropped -60.40% vs SPDW's -60.02%.

Which ETF is better, ACWX or SPDW?

On 10-year performance, SPDW leads with 10.63% vs 10.06% for ACWX. On fees, SPDW is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, SPDW has been the lower-risk option at 7.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ACWX or SPDW?

Over the 10-year period, SPDW has performed better with a 10.63% return vs 10.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ACWX or SPDW?

SPDW is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.32% for ACWX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ACWX or SPDW?

SPDW has the higher dividend yield at 3.06%, compared with 2.54% for ACWX.

What is the main difference between ACWX and SPDW?

ACWX tracks MSCI All Country World ex-U.S. Index, while SPDW tracks S&P Developed Ex-U.S. BMI Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.32% for ACWX and 0.04% for SPDW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPDW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.79), 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.