GQGU vs. ACWI

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

GQGU (GQG US Equity ETF) and ACWI (iShares MSCI ACWI ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GQGU is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by GQG Partners, while ACWI is a Global Equities fund tracking the MSCI All Country World Index. GQGU is actively managed, while ACWI is passively managed. Over the past year, GQGU returned 4.73% vs 22.75% for ACWI. At a correlation of -0.16, they often move in opposite directions. GQGU charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for ACWI.

Performance

GQGU vs. ACWI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU) 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, GQGU achieves a 5.74% return, which is significantly lower than ACWI's 11.23% return.

GQGU

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.43%
• 6M: 4.51%
• YTD: 5.74%
• 1Y: 4.73%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ACWI

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: -0.62%
• 6M: 8.53%
• YTD: 11.23%
• 1Y: 22.75%
• 3Y*: 18.82%
• 5Y*: 11.06%
• 10Y*: 12.50%

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

GQGU vs. ACWI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	5.74%	-1.12%
ACWI iShares MSCI ACWI ETF	11.23%	10.47%

Correlation

The correlation between GQGU and ACWI is -0.17, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.17
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2025	-0.16

Return for Risk

GQGU vs. ACWI — Risk / Return Rank

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

GQGU

GQGU Risk / Return Rank: 17
GQGU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
GQGU Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
GQGU Omega Ratio Rank: 15
GQGU Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
GQGU Martin Ratio Rank: 17

ACWI

ACWI Risk / Return Rank: 63
ACWI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
ACWI Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
ACWI Omega Ratio Rank: 62
ACWI Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
ACWI Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

GQGU vs. ACWI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU) 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.

	GQGU	ACWI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.44	1.67	-1.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.71	2.32	-1.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.08	1.30	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.56	2.35	-1.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.36	10.02	-8.66

GQGU vs. ACWI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GQGU Sharpe Ratio is 0.44, which is lower than the ACWI Sharpe Ratio of 1.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GQGU 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

GQGU vs. ACWI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GQGU drawdown since its inception was -8.41%, smaller than the maximum ACWI drawdown of -56.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GQGU and ACWI.

Drawdown Indicators

	GQGU	ACWI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.41%	-56.00%	+47.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.41%	-9.73%	+1.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.55%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.42%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.53%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.42%	-1.62%	-3.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.91%	-8.57%	+5.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.48%	2.27%	+1.21%

Volatility

GQGU vs. ACWI - Volatility Comparison

GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU) has a higher volatility of 4.36% compared to iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI) at 3.85%. This indicates that GQGU'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

	GQGU	ACWI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.36%	3.85%	+0.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.52%	11.53%	-3.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.71%	13.72%	-3.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.68%	16.21%	-5.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.68%	17.04%	-6.36%

GQGU vs. ACWI - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

GQGU vs. ACWI - Dividend Comparison

GQGU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.96%, less than ACWI's 1.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACWI iShares MSCI ACWI ETF	1.44%	1.55%	1.70%	1.88%	1.79%	1.71%	1.43%	2.33%	2.18%	1.94%	2.19%	2.56%
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	0.96%	1.02%	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 GQGU and ACWI in my portfolio?

GQGU and ACWI have a correlation of -0.17, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GQGU or ACWI?

GQGU has higher volatility (4.36%) compared to ACWI (3.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GQGU dropped -8.41% vs ACWI's -56.00%.

Which ETF is better, GQGU or ACWI?

On 1-year performance, ACWI leads with 22.75% vs 4.73% for GQGU. On fees, ACWI is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, ACWI has been the lower-risk option at 3.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GQGU or ACWI?

Over the 1-year period, ACWI has performed better with a 22.75% return vs 4.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GQGU or ACWI?

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

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

ACWI has the higher dividend yield at 1.44%, compared with 0.96% for GQGU.

What is the main difference between GQGU and ACWI?

GQGU is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while ACWI is Global Equities. They also come from different issuers: GQG Partners and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for GQGU and 0.32% for ACWI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ACWI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs 0.44), 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.