AQLT vs. ACWV

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

AQLT (iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF) and ACWV (iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF) are both Global Equities funds from iShares - AQLT tracks the MSCI ACWI Quality Index (Net) while ACWV tracks the MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, AQLT returned 23.87% vs 6.41% for ACWV. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.20% expense ratio.

Performance

AQLT vs. ACWV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF (AQLT) and iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF (ACWV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AQLT achieves a 12.03% return, which is significantly higher than ACWV's 3.83% return.

AQLT

• 1D: -0.93%
• 1M: 1.01%
• 6M: 8.57%
• YTD: 12.03%
• 1Y: 23.87%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ACWV

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 0.92%
• 6M: 2.66%
• YTD: 3.83%
• 1Y: 6.41%
• 3Y*: 9.88%
• 5Y*: 5.49%
• 10Y*: 7.02%

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

AQLT vs. ACWV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
AQLT iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF	12.03%	17.65%	-3.38%
ACWV iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF	3.83%	11.04%	-2.52%

Correlation

The correlation between AQLT and ACWV is 0.52, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 12, 2024	0.55

The correlation between AQLT and ACWV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.52 to 0.55 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AQLT vs. ACWV — Risk / Return Rank

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

AQLT

AQLT Risk / Return Rank: 64
AQLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
AQLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
AQLT Omega Ratio Rank: 65
AQLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
AQLT Martin Ratio Rank: 69

ACWV

ACWV Risk / Return Rank: 26
ACWV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
ACWV Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
ACWV Omega Ratio Rank: 25
ACWV Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
ACWV Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

AQLT vs. ACWV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF (AQLT) and iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF (ACWV). 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.

	AQLT	ACWV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.70	0.80	+0.90
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.42	1.18	+1.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.15	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.24	1.01	+1.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.90	2.89	+7.01

AQLT vs. ACWV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AQLT Sharpe Ratio is 1.70, which is higher than the ACWV Sharpe Ratio of 0.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AQLT and ACWV, 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

AQLT vs. ACWV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AQLT drawdown since its inception was -16.84%, smaller than the maximum ACWV drawdown of -28.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AQLT and ACWV.

Drawdown Indicators

	AQLT	ACWV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.84%	-28.82%	+11.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.68%	-6.37%	-4.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-7.56%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.14%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-28.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.93%	-1.52%	+0.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.27%	-3.11%	+0.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.42%	2.22%	+0.20%

Volatility

AQLT vs. ACWV - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF (AQLT) has a higher volatility of 4.62% compared to iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF (ACWV) at 3.17%. This indicates that AQLT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ACWV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AQLT	ACWV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.62%	3.17%	+1.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.93%	6.23%	+5.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.17%	8.07%	+6.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.03%	10.27%	+6.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.03%	12.29%	+4.74%

AQLT vs. ACWV - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both AQLT and ACWV have an expense ratio of 0.20%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

AQLT vs. ACWV - Dividend Comparison

AQLT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.99%, less than ACWV's 1.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACWV iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF	1.93%	2.09%	2.33%	2.41%	2.18%	1.92%	1.77%	2.54%	2.32%	2.04%	2.56%	2.28%
AQLT iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF	0.99%	1.05%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AQLT and ACWV in my portfolio?

AQLT and ACWV have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AQLT or ACWV?

AQLT has higher volatility (4.62%) compared to ACWV (3.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AQLT dropped -16.84% vs ACWV's -28.82%.

Which ETF is better, AQLT or ACWV?

On 1-year performance, AQLT leads with 23.87% vs 6.41% for ACWV. Both ETFs have the same 0.20% expense ratio. On volatility, ACWV has been the lower-risk option at 3.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AQLT or ACWV?

Over the 1-year period, AQLT has performed better with a 23.87% return vs 6.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AQLT or ACWV?

AQLT and ACWV have the same expense ratio: 0.20% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AQLT or ACWV?

ACWV has the higher dividend yield at 1.93%, compared with 0.99% for AQLT.

What is the main difference between AQLT and ACWV?

AQLT tracks MSCI ACWI Quality Index (Net), while ACWV tracks MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AQLT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.70 vs 0.80), 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.