EWM vs. ACWI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EWM (iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF) and ACWI (iShares MSCI ACWI ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWM is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the MSCI Malaysia Index, while ACWI is a Global Equities fund tracking the MSCI All Country World Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWM returned 2.59%/yr vs 12.85%/yr for ACWI. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EWM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for ACWI.

Performance

EWM vs. ACWI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF (EWM) 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, EWM achieves a 2.45% return, which is significantly lower than ACWI's 12.13% return. Over the past 10 years, EWM has underperformed ACWI with an annualized return of 2.59%, while ACWI has yielded a comparatively higher 12.85% annualized return.

EWM

• 1D: -2.37%
• 1M: -5.11%
• YTD: 2.45%
• 6M: 6.54%
• 1Y: 20.74%
• 3Y*: 14.49%
• 5Y*: 4.53%
• 10Y*: 2.59%

ACWI

• 1D: -0.83%
• 1M: 5.28%
• YTD: 12.13%
• 6M: 12.96%
• 1Y: 29.18%
• 3Y*: 21.15%
• 5Y*: 11.28%
• 10Y*: 12.85%

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

EWM vs. ACWI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWM iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF	2.45%	15.74%	19.46%	-3.61%	-6.00%	-7.40%	3.12%	-1.41%	-6.28%	24.25%
ACWI iShares MSCI ACWI ETF	12.13%	22.41%	17.45%	22.27%	-18.39%	18.66%	16.34%	26.59%	-9.19%	24.33%

Correlation

The correlation between EWM and ACWI is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 31, 2008	0.64

The correlation between EWM and ACWI shifts across timeframes, from 0.49 (3 years) to 0.64 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EWM vs. ACWI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWM	ACWI
Financial Services	46.6%	16.1%
Industrials	11.1%	10.9%
Utilities	10.8%	2.6%
Basic Materials	8.9%	3.7%
Consumer Defensive	7.3%	5.0%
Communication Services	6.6%	9.0%
Energy	3.9%	4.2%
Healthcare	3.8%	8.1%
Consumer Cyclical	1.1%	9.3%
Real Estate	-	1.8%
Technology	-	29.4%

Return for Risk

EWM vs. ACWI — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWM

EWM Risk / Return Rank: 45
EWM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
EWM Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
EWM Omega Ratio Rank: 40
EWM Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
EWM Martin Ratio Rank: 49

ACWI

ACWI Risk / Return Rank: 66
ACWI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
ACWI Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
ACWI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
ACWI Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
ACWI Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

EWM vs. ACWI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF (EWM) 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.

	EWM	ACWI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	2.29	-0.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	3.17	-1.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.41	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.65	3.01	-0.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.22	13.53	-5.30
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EWM vs. ACWI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWM Sharpe Ratio is 1.49, which is lower than the ACWI Sharpe Ratio of 2.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWM 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EWM	ACWI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.49	2.29	-0.80
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.33	0.71	-0.37
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.16	0.75	-0.59
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.07	0.43	-0.36

Drawdowns

EWM vs. ACWI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWM drawdown since its inception was -89.19%, which is greater than ACWI's maximum drawdown of -56.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWM and ACWI.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWM	ACWI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-89.19%	-56.00%	-33.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.86%	-9.73%	+1.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.31%	-16.55%	-4.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.76%	-26.42%	+3.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.81%	-33.53%	-10.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.46%	-0.83%	-8.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-31.82%	-8.61%	-23.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.53%	2.16%	+0.37%

Volatility

EWM vs. ACWI - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF (EWM) has a higher volatility of 4.15% compared to iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI) at 3.93%. This indicates that EWM'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

	EWM	ACWI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.15%	3.93%	+0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.86%	10.29%	+0.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.99%	12.78%	+1.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.70%	16.05%	-2.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.29%	17.11%	-0.82%

EWM vs. ACWI - Expense Ratio Comparison

EWM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than ACWI's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

EWM vs. ACWI - Dividend Comparison

EWM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.33%, more than ACWI's 1.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACWI iShares MSCI ACWI ETF	1.38%	1.55%	1.70%	1.88%	1.79%	1.71%	1.43%	2.33%	2.18%	1.94%	2.19%	2.56%
EWM iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF	3.33%	3.41%	3.32%	3.47%	3.00%	6.48%	1.89%	2.91%	3.84%	5.58%	5.97%	37.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWM and ACWI in my portfolio?

EWM and ACWI have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EWM or ACWI?

EWM has higher volatility (4.15%) compared to ACWI (3.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWM dropped -89.19% vs ACWI's -56.00%.

Which ETF is better, EWM or ACWI?

On 10-year performance, ACWI leads with 12.85% vs 2.59% for EWM. On fees, ACWI is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, ACWI has been the lower-risk option at 3.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWM or ACWI?

Over the 10-year period, ACWI has performed better with a 12.85% return vs 2.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWM or ACWI?

ACWI is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for EWM.

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

EWM has the higher dividend yield at 3.33%, compared with 1.38% for ACWI.

What is the main difference between EWM and ACWI?

EWM is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while ACWI is Global Equities. EWM tracks MSCI Malaysia Index, while ACWI tracks MSCI All Country World Index. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for EWM and 0.32% for ACWI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ACWI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.29 vs 1.49), 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.