CWI vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CWI (SPDR MSCI ACWI ex-US ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - CWI tracks the MSCI All Country World ex-U.S. Index while VEA tracks the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, CWI returned 9.91%/yr vs 10.17%/yr for VEA. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. CWI charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

CWI vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR MSCI ACWI ex-US ETF (CWI) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CWI achieves a 13.91% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 14.92% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with CWI having a 9.91% annualized return and VEA not far ahead at 10.17%.

CWI

• 1D: -1.22%
• 1M: 5.25%
• YTD: 13.91%
• 6M: 16.33%
• 1Y: 32.11%
• 3Y*: 19.76%
• 5Y*: 8.77%
• 10Y*: 9.91%

VEA

• 1D: -0.90%
• 1M: 5.54%
• YTD: 14.92%
• 6M: 18.15%
• 1Y: 32.48%
• 3Y*: 19.77%
• 5Y*: 9.60%
• 10Y*: 10.17%

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

CWI vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CWI SPDR MSCI ACWI ex-US ETF	13.91%	32.75%	6.27%	15.74%	-15.39%	8.81%	9.83%	21.92%	-13.83%	26.89%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	14.92%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between CWI and VEA is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 27, 2007	0.97

The correlation between CWI and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

CWI vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CWI	VEA
Financial Services	17.4%	23.3%
Technology	14.9%	13.8%
Industrials	7.8%	19.2%
Consumer Cyclical	5.8%	7.5%
Healthcare	5.3%	8.2%
Energy	5.0%	5.4%
Basic Materials	4.4%	7.5%
Communication Services	3.2%	3.4%
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	5.6%
Utilities	1.2%	3.3%
Real Estate	0.9%	2.7%

Return for Risk

CWI vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

CWI

CWI Risk / Return Rank: 60
CWI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
CWI Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
CWI Omega Ratio Rank: 62
CWI Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
CWI Martin Ratio Rank: 60

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 59
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
VEA 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.

CWI vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR MSCI ACWI ex-US ETF (CWI) 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.

	CWI	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.10	2.09	+0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.90	2.87	+0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.38	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.81	2.81	+0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.92	10.94	-0.03
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CWI vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CWI Sharpe Ratio is 2.10, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 2.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CWI and VEA, 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

	CWI	VEA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.10	2.09	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54	0.58	-0.04
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.58	0.59	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.25	0.25	0.00

Drawdowns

CWI vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CWI drawdown since its inception was -60.77%, roughly equal to the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CWI and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	CWI	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.77%	-60.68%	-0.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.47%	-11.63%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.85%	-13.45%	-0.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.45%	-29.71%	+0.26%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.64%	-35.73%	+1.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.22%	-0.90%	-0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.86%	-13.29%	+0.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.95%	2.98%	-0.03%

Volatility

CWI vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

SPDR MSCI ACWI ex-US ETF (CWI) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) have volatilities of 5.81% and 5.66%, 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

	CWI	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.81%	5.66%	+0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.10%	13.32%	-0.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.35%	15.66%	-0.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.25%	16.55%	-0.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.13%	17.36%	-0.23%

CWI vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

CWI has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

CWI vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

CWI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.70%, more than VEA's 2.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CWI SPDR MSCI ACWI ex-US ETF	2.70%	2.97%	2.89%	2.80%	3.17%	2.65%	2.07%	3.05%	2.81%	2.29%	2.45%	2.62%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.62%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CWI and VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, CWI and VEA 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, CWI or VEA?

CWI has higher volatility (5.81%) compared to VEA (5.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CWI dropped -60.77% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, CWI or VEA?

On 10-year performance, VEA leads with 10.17% vs 9.91% for CWI. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VEA has been the lower-risk option at 5.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CWI or VEA?

Over the 10-year period, VEA has performed better with a 10.17% return vs 9.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CWI or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for CWI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CWI or VEA?

CWI has the higher dividend yield at 2.70%, compared with 2.62% for VEA.

What is the main difference between CWI and VEA?

CWI tracks MSCI All Country World ex-U.S. Index, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for CWI and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CWI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 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.