GLD vs. ACWX

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) and ACWX (iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM, while ACWX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI All Country World ex-U.S. Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GLD returned 12.16%/yr vs 9.87%/yr for ACWX. At a 0.21 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GLD charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for ACWX.

Performance

GLD vs. ACWX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) 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, GLD achieves a -2.52% return, which is significantly lower than ACWX's 13.42% return. Over the past 10 years, GLD has outperformed ACWX with an annualized return of 12.16%, while ACWX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.87% annualized return.

GLD

• 1D: 3.13%
• 1M: -10.77%
• YTD: -2.52%
• 6M: -1.76%
• 1Y: 25.28%
• 3Y*: 28.54%
• 5Y*: 17.06%
• 10Y*: 12.16%

ACWX

• 1D: 3.41%
• 1M: 1.94%
• YTD: 13.42%
• 6M: 14.35%
• 1Y: 28.83%
• 3Y*: 18.66%
• 5Y*: 8.17%
• 10Y*: 9.87%

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

GLD vs. ACWX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	-2.52%	63.68%	26.66%	12.69%	-0.77%	-4.15%	24.81%	17.86%	-1.94%	12.81%
ACWX iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF	13.42%	32.59%	5.17%	15.63%	-16.07%	7.67%	10.29%	21.05%	-13.99%	27.20%

Correlation

The correlation between GLD and ACWX is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.38
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.34
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.24
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 31, 2008	0.21

Over the past year, GLD and ACWX have become more correlated (0.42) than their long-term average of 0.21, meaning their price movements have been converging.

GLD vs. ACWX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GLD	ACWX
Basic Materials	100.0%	6.7%
Communication Services	-	4.7%
Consumer Cyclical	-	7.3%
Consumer Defensive	-	5.0%
Energy	-	4.8%
Financial Services	-	23.3%
Healthcare	-	6.7%
Industrials	-	14.0%
Real Estate	-	1.2%
Technology	-	22.4%
Utilities	-	2.8%

Return for Risk

GLD vs. ACWX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 29
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 34
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 27

ACWX

ACWX Risk / Return Rank: 64
ACWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
ACWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
ACWX Omega Ratio Rank: 66
ACWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
ACWX 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.

GLD vs. ACWX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) 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.

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.

	GLD	ACWX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.93	1.76	-0.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.29	2.43	-1.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.32	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.04	2.53	-1.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.02	9.69	-6.67

GLD vs. ACWX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GLD Sharpe Ratio is 0.93, which is lower than the ACWX Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GLD 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.

Drawdowns

GLD vs. ACWX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GLD drawdown since its inception was -45.56%, smaller than the maximum ACWX drawdown of -60.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLD and ACWX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GLD	ACWX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.56%	-60.40%	+14.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.46%	-11.42%	-13.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.46%	-13.84%	-10.62%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.46%	-30.07%	+5.61%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-24.46%	-35.38%	+10.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.10%	-1.82%	-20.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.16%	-13.32%	-2.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.38%	2.98%	+5.40%

Volatility

GLD vs. ACWX - Volatility Comparison

SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) has a higher volatility of 7.77% compared to iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (ACWX) at 7.03%. This indicates that GLD'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

	GLD	ACWX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.77%	7.03%	+0.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.10%	14.36%	+9.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.37%	16.43%	+10.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.23%	16.46%	+1.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.08%	17.43%	-1.35%

GLD vs. ACWX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GLD has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than ACWX's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

GLD vs. ACWX - Dividend Comparison

GLD has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ACWX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.49%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACWX iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF	2.49%	2.82%	2.97%	2.96%	2.68%	2.74%	1.88%	3.22%	2.60%	2.40%	2.77%	2.51%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	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 GLD and ACWX in my portfolio?

GLD and ACWX have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GLD or ACWX?

GLD has higher volatility (7.77%) compared to ACWX (7.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GLD dropped -45.56% vs ACWX's -60.40%.

Which ETF is better, GLD or ACWX?

On 10-year performance, GLD leads with 12.16% vs 9.87% for ACWX. On fees, ACWX is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, ACWX has been the lower-risk option at 7.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GLD or ACWX?

Over the 10-year period, GLD has performed better with a 12.16% return vs 9.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GLD or ACWX?

ACWX is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GLD.

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

ACWX has the higher dividend yield at 2.49%, compared with 0.00% for GLD.

What is the main difference between GLD and ACWX?

GLD is categorized as Gold, while ACWX is Foreign Large Cap Equities. GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM, while ACWX tracks MSCI All Country World ex-U.S. Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for GLD and 0.32% for ACWX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ACWX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.76 vs 0.93), 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.