ACWX vs. VEA
Compare and contrast key facts about iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (ACWX) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA).
ACWX and VEA are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. ACWX is a passively managed fund by iShares that tracks the performance of the MSCI All Country World ex-U.S. Index. It was launched on Mar 26, 2008. VEA is a passively managed fund by Vanguard that tracks the performance of the MSCI EAFE Index. It was launched on Jul 20, 2007. Both ACWX and VEA are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: ACWX or VEA.
Key characteristics
| ACWX | VEA | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | 2.21% | 2.32% |
| 1Y Return | 9.84% | 10.28% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | -0.30% | 1.55% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 4.78% | 6.28% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | 3.84% | 4.72% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 0.64 | 0.67 |
| Daily Std Dev | 12.73% | 12.80% |
| Max Drawdown | -60.39% | -60.70% |
| Current Drawdown | -4.47% | -3.06% |
Correlation
The correlation between ACWX and VEA is 0.97, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Performance
ACWX vs. VEA - Performance Comparison
The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with ACWX having a 2.21% return and VEA slightly higher at 2.32%. Over the past 10 years, ACWX has underperformed VEA with an annualized return of 3.84%, while VEA has yielded a comparatively higher 4.72% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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ACWX vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison
ACWX has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.05% expense ratio.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
ACWX vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (ACWX) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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.
Dividends
ACWX vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison
ACWX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.90%, less than VEA's 3.36% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ACWX iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF | 2.90% | 2.96% | 2.68% | 2.73% | 1.88% | 3.21% | 2.64% | 2.39% | 2.77% | 2.51% | 3.17% | 2.68% |
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF | 3.36% | 3.15% | 2.91% | 3.16% | 2.04% | 3.04% | 3.35% | 2.77% | 3.05% | 2.92% | 3.68% | 2.60% |
Drawdowns
ACWX vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum ACWX drawdown since its inception was -60.39%, roughly equal to the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ACWX and VEA. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
ACWX vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison
iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (ACWX) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) have volatilities of 3.34% and 3.42%, 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.