INTL vs. ACWI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

INTL (Main International ETF) and ACWI (iShares MSCI ACWI ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - INTL is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Main Funds, while ACWI is a Global Equities fund tracking the MSCI All Country World Index. INTL is actively managed, while ACWI is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, INTL returned 16.31%/yr vs 20.00%/yr for ACWI. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. INTL charges 1.04%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for ACWI.

Performance

INTL vs. ACWI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Main International ETF (INTL) 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, INTL achieves a 9.32% return, which is significantly lower than ACWI's 9.86% return.

INTL

• 1D: -2.80%
• 1M: -0.52%
• YTD: 9.32%
• 6M: 9.71%
• 1Y: 24.93%
• 3Y*: 16.31%
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

INTL vs. ACWI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
INTL Main International ETF	9.32%	29.55%	2.00%	18.20%	-1.69%
ACWI iShares MSCI ACWI ETF	9.86%	22.41%	17.45%	22.27%	-4.75%

Correlation

The correlation between INTL and ACWI is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 2, 2022	0.86

The correlation between INTL and ACWI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

INTL vs. ACWI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	INTL	ACWI
Financial Services	23.4%	15.9%
Technology	17.6%	33.0%
Industrials	14.7%	10.3%
Basic Materials	9.9%	3.6%
Consumer Cyclical	7.6%	8.6%
Healthcare	6.2%	7.7%
Consumer Defensive	5.4%	4.7%
Energy	5.4%	3.6%
Communication Services	4.6%	8.0%
Utilities	3.0%	2.7%
Real Estate	2.1%	1.6%

Return for Risk

INTL vs. ACWI — Risk / Return Rank

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

INTL

INTL Risk / Return Rank: 47
INTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
INTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
INTL Omega Ratio Rank: 47
INTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
INTL Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

INTL vs. ACWI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Main International ETF (INTL) 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.

	INTL	ACWI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	1.89	-0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.13	2.60	-0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.34	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.18	2.64	-0.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.44	11.51	-3.07

INTL vs. ACWI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current INTL Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is comparable to the ACWI Sharpe Ratio of 1.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of INTL 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

INTL vs. ACWI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum INTL drawdown since its inception was -14.48%, smaller than the maximum ACWI drawdown of -56.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for INTL and ACWI.

Drawdown Indicators

	INTL	ACWI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.48%	-56.00%	+41.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.51%	-9.73%	-1.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.48%	-16.55%	+2.07%
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	-2.96%	-2.83%	-0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.87%	-8.59%	+5.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.96%	2.23%	+0.73%

Volatility

INTL vs. ACWI - Volatility Comparison

Main International ETF (INTL) has a higher volatility of 6.92% compared to iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI) at 5.57%. This indicates that INTL'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

	INTL	ACWI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.92%	5.57%	+1.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.44%	11.38%	+3.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.41%	13.64%	+2.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.75%	16.20%	-0.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.75%	17.08%	-1.33%

INTL vs. ACWI - Expense Ratio Comparison

INTL has a 1.04% expense ratio, which is higher than ACWI's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

INTL vs. ACWI - Dividend Comparison

INTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.35%, 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%
INTL Main International ETF	2.35%	2.57%	2.71%	2.86%	1.41%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both INTL and ACWI in my portfolio?

INTL and ACWI have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, INTL or ACWI?

INTL has higher volatility (6.92%) compared to ACWI (5.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, INTL dropped -14.48% vs ACWI's -56.00%.

Which ETF is better, INTL or ACWI?

On 3-year performance, ACWI leads with 20.00% vs 16.31% for INTL. On fees, ACWI is cheaper at 0.32% 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, INTL or ACWI?

Over the 3-year period, ACWI has performed better with a 20.00% return vs 16.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, INTL or ACWI?

ACWI is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 1.04% for INTL.

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

INTL has the higher dividend yield at 2.35%, compared with 1.45% for ACWI.

What is the main difference between INTL and ACWI?

INTL is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while ACWI is Global Equities. They also come from different issuers: Main Funds and iShares. Their fees differ too: 1.04% for INTL and 0.32% for ACWI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ACWI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.89 vs 1.53), 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.