DMXF vs. ACWI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DMXF (iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF) and ACWI (iShares MSCI ACWI ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DMXF is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Choice ESG Screened Index, while ACWI is a Global Equities fund tracking the MSCI All Country World Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DMXF returned 6.99%/yr vs 10.74%/yr for ACWI. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DMXF charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for ACWI.

Performance

DMXF vs. ACWI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF (DMXF) and iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DMXF achieves a 11.78% return, which is significantly higher than ACWI's 9.86% return.

DMXF

• 1D: -2.70%
• 1M: 1.22%
• YTD: 11.78%
• 6M: 10.88%
• 1Y: 19.96%
• 3Y*: 15.44%
• 5Y*: 6.99%
• 10Y*: —

ACWI

• 1D: -2.00%
• 1M: -0.35%
• YTD: 9.86%
• 6M: 9.11%
• 1Y: 25.60%
• 3Y*: 20.00%
• 5Y*: 10.74%
• 10Y*: 13.09%

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

DMXF vs. ACWI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DMXF iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF	11.78%	22.07%	3.99%	20.52%	-19.25%	10.90%	22.80%
ACWI iShares MSCI ACWI ETF	9.86%	22.41%	17.45%	22.27%	-18.39%	18.66%	23.15%

Correlation

The correlation between DMXF and ACWI is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 18, 2020	0.85

The correlation between DMXF and ACWI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

DMXF vs. ACWI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DMXF	ACWI
Financial Services	31.8%	15.9%
Technology	21.3%	33.0%
Industrials	14.8%	10.3%
Healthcare	9.2%	7.7%
Communication Services	6.9%	8.0%
Basic Materials	4.9%	3.6%
Consumer Cyclical	4.3%	8.6%
Real Estate	2.9%	1.6%
Consumer Defensive	2.6%	4.7%
Utilities	0.7%	2.7%
Energy	-	3.6%

Return for Risk

DMXF vs. ACWI — Risk / Return Rank

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

DMXF

DMXF Risk / Return Rank: 36
DMXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
DMXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
DMXF Omega Ratio Rank: 34
DMXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
DMXF Martin Ratio Rank: 41

ACWI

ACWI Risk / Return Rank: 58
ACWI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
ACWI Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
ACWI Omega Ratio Rank: 58
ACWI Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
ACWI Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

DMXF vs. ACWI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF (DMXF) and iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI). 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.

	DMXF	ACWI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.19	1.89	-0.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.74	2.60	-0.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.34	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.69	2.64	-0.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.32	11.51	-5.19

DMXF vs. ACWI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DMXF Sharpe Ratio is 1.19, which is lower than the ACWI Sharpe Ratio of 1.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DMXF and ACWI, 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

DMXF vs. ACWI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DMXF drawdown since its inception was -34.52%, smaller than the maximum ACWI drawdown of -56.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DMXF and ACWI.

Drawdown Indicators

	DMXF	ACWI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.52%	-56.00%	+21.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.84%	-9.73%	-2.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.54%	-16.55%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.52%	-26.42%	-8.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.53%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.70%	-2.83%	+0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.61%	-8.59%	+0.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	2.23%	+0.94%

Volatility

DMXF vs. ACWI - Volatility Comparison

iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF (DMXF) has a higher volatility of 6.29% compared to iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI) at 5.57%. This indicates that DMXF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ACWI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DMXF	ACWI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.29%	5.57%	+0.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.41%	11.38%	+3.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.93%	13.64%	+3.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.83%	16.20%	+1.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.34%	17.08%	+0.26%

DMXF vs. ACWI - Expense Ratio Comparison

DMXF has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than ACWI's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

DMXF vs. ACWI - Dividend Comparison

DMXF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.26%, more than ACWI's 1.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACWI iShares MSCI ACWI ETF	1.45%	1.55%	1.70%	1.88%	1.79%	1.71%	1.43%	2.33%	2.18%	1.94%	2.19%	2.56%
DMXF iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF	4.26%	4.85%	2.92%	2.29%	2.37%	1.91%	0.31%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DMXF and ACWI in my portfolio?

DMXF and ACWI have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DMXF or ACWI?

DMXF has higher volatility (6.29%) compared to ACWI (5.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DMXF dropped -34.52% vs ACWI's -56.00%.

Which ETF is better, DMXF or ACWI?

On 5-year performance, ACWI leads with 10.74% vs 6.99% for DMXF. On fees, DMXF is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, ACWI has been the lower-risk option at 5.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DMXF or ACWI?

Over the 5-year period, ACWI has performed better with a 10.74% return vs 6.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DMXF or ACWI?

DMXF is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.32% for ACWI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DMXF or ACWI?

DMXF has the higher dividend yield at 4.26%, compared with 1.45% for ACWI.

What is the main difference between DMXF and ACWI?

DMXF is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while ACWI is Global Equities. DMXF tracks MSCI EAFE Choice ESG Screened Index, while ACWI tracks MSCI All Country World Index. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for DMXF and 0.32% for ACWI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ACWI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.89 vs 1.19), 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.