CGXU vs. ACWX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CGXU (Capital Group International Focus Equity ETF) and ACWX (iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. CGXU is actively managed, while ACWX is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, CGXU returned 18.00%/yr vs 19.35%/yr for ACWX. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CGXU charges 0.54%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for ACWX.

Performance

CGXU vs. ACWX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Capital Group International Focus Equity ETF (CGXU) and iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (ACWX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CGXU achieves a 19.90% return, which is significantly higher than ACWX's 14.30% return.

CGXU

• 1D: -1.14%
• 1M: 10.58%
• YTD: 19.90%
• 6M: 22.54%
• 1Y: 41.14%
• 3Y*: 18.00%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ACWX

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: 5.24%
• YTD: 14.30%
• 6M: 17.01%
• 1Y: 32.04%
• 3Y*: 19.35%
• 5Y*: 8.36%
• 10Y*: 9.57%

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

CGXU vs. ACWX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
CGXU Capital Group International Focus Equity ETF	19.90%	26.31%	4.36%	15.75%	-14.34%
ACWX iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF	14.30%	32.59%	5.17%	15.63%	-10.26%

Correlation

The correlation between CGXU and ACWX is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 25, 2022	0.95

The correlation between CGXU and ACWX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

CGXU vs. ACWX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CGXU	ACWX
Technology	21.6%	22.4%
Industrials	15.4%	14.0%
Financial Services	13.9%	23.3%
Basic Materials	11.0%	6.7%
Communication Services	10.5%	4.7%
Energy	7.5%	4.8%
Consumer Cyclical	6.6%	7.3%
Consumer Defensive	6.2%	5.0%
Healthcare	4.7%	6.7%
Utilities	2.5%	2.8%
Real Estate	-	1.2%

Return for Risk

CGXU vs. ACWX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CGXU

CGXU Risk / Return Rank: 62
CGXU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
CGXU Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
CGXU Omega Ratio Rank: 60
CGXU Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
CGXU Martin Ratio Rank: 64

ACWX

ACWX Risk / Return Rank: 59
ACWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
ACWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
ACWX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
ACWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
ACWX Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

CGXU vs. ACWX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Capital Group International Focus Equity ETF (CGXU) and iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (ACWX). 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.

	CGXU	ACWX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.09	2.08	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.85	2.85	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.38	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.14	2.82	+0.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.72	10.96	+0.76
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CGXU vs. ACWX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CGXU Sharpe Ratio is 2.09, which is comparable to the ACWX Sharpe Ratio of 2.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CGXU and ACWX, 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

	CGXU	ACWX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.09	2.08	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.55	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	0.23	+0.33

Drawdowns

CGXU vs. ACWX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CGXU drawdown since its inception was -25.64%, smaller than the maximum ACWX drawdown of -60.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CGXU and ACWX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CGXU	ACWX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.64%	-60.40%	+34.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.14%	-11.42%	-1.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.63%	-13.84%	-7.79%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-30.07%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.38%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.14%	-1.06%	-0.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.66%	-13.34%	+6.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.52%	2.93%	+0.59%

Volatility

CGXU vs. ACWX - Volatility Comparison

Capital Group International Focus Equity ETF (CGXU) has a higher volatility of 7.31% compared to iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (ACWX) at 5.74%. This indicates that CGXU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ACWX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CGXU	ACWX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.31%	5.74%	+1.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.05%	13.26%	+3.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.83%	15.51%	+4.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.93%	16.29%	+3.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.93%	17.38%	+2.55%

CGXU vs. ACWX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CGXU has a 0.54% expense ratio, which is higher than ACWX's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

CGXU vs. ACWX - Dividend Comparison

CGXU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.43%, more than ACWX's 2.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACWX iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF	2.47%	2.82%	2.97%	2.96%	2.68%	2.74%	1.88%	3.22%	2.60%	2.40%	2.77%	2.51%
CGXU Capital Group International Focus Equity ETF	4.43%	5.31%	1.01%	0.99%	0.95%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CGXU and ACWX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, CGXU and ACWX 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, CGXU or ACWX?

CGXU has higher volatility (7.31%) compared to ACWX (5.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CGXU dropped -25.64% vs ACWX's -60.40%.

Which ETF is better, CGXU or ACWX?

On 3-year performance, ACWX leads with 19.35% vs 18.00% for CGXU. On fees, ACWX is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, ACWX has been the lower-risk option at 5.74%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CGXU or ACWX?

Over the 3-year period, ACWX has performed better with a 19.35% return vs 18.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CGXU or ACWX?

ACWX is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.54% for CGXU.

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

CGXU has the higher dividend yield at 4.43%, compared with 2.47% for ACWX.

What is the main difference between CGXU and ACWX?

They also come from different issuers: Capital Group and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.54% for CGXU and 0.32% for ACWX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CGXU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 vs 2.08), 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.