IVLU vs. SPDW

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IVLU (iShares MSCI International Value Factor ETF) and SPDW (SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - IVLU tracks the MSCI World ex USA Enhanced Value Index while SPDW tracks the S&P Developed Ex-U.S. BMI Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IVLU returned 11.56%/yr vs 10.63%/yr for SPDW. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IVLU charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SPDW.

Performance

IVLU vs. SPDW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI International Value Factor ETF (IVLU) and SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IVLU achieves a 11.28% return, which is significantly lower than SPDW's 13.29% return. Over the past 10 years, IVLU has outperformed SPDW with an annualized return of 11.56%, while SPDW has yielded a comparatively lower 10.63% annualized return.

IVLU

• 1D: -1.89%
• 1M: -0.75%
• YTD: 11.28%
• 6M: 10.90%
• 1Y: 34.48%
• 3Y*: 23.64%
• 5Y*: 14.30%
• 10Y*: 11.56%

SPDW

• 1D: -2.99%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 13.29%
• 6M: 13.11%
• 1Y: 30.23%
• 3Y*: 19.45%
• 5Y*: 9.30%
• 10Y*: 10.63%

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

IVLU vs. SPDW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IVLU iShares MSCI International Value Factor ETF	11.28%	46.09%	6.76%	20.07%	-5.73%	15.60%	-4.50%	15.60%	-15.10%	23.10%
SPDW SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF	13.29%	34.75%	3.55%	17.81%	-15.98%	11.45%	9.90%	22.41%	-14.22%	25.81%

Correlation

The correlation between IVLU and SPDW is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 15, 2015	0.89

The correlation between IVLU and SPDW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

IVLU vs. SPDW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IVLU	SPDW
Financial Services	26.5%	22.2%
Industrials	18.8%	18.4%
Technology	10.6%	16.8%
Healthcare	9.0%	7.9%
Consumer Cyclical	7.6%	7.8%
Basic Materials	7.4%	7.3%
Consumer Defensive	6.0%	5.4%
Energy	5.5%	4.9%
Communication Services	3.7%	3.9%
Utilities	3.6%	3.0%
Real Estate	1.4%	2.3%

Return for Risk

IVLU vs. SPDW — Risk / Return Rank

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

IVLU

IVLU Risk / Return Rank: 68
IVLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
IVLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
IVLU Omega Ratio Rank: 70
IVLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
IVLU Martin Ratio Rank: 65

SPDW

SPDW Risk / Return Rank: 56
SPDW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
SPDW Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SPDW Omega Ratio Rank: 56
SPDW Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
SPDW Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

IVLU vs. SPDW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI International Value Factor ETF (IVLU) and SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW). 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.

	IVLU	SPDW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.21	1.82	+0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.03	2.50	+0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.33	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.96	2.63	+0.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.24	10.15	+1.09

IVLU vs. SPDW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IVLU Sharpe Ratio is 2.21, which is comparable to the SPDW Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IVLU and SPDW, 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

IVLU vs. SPDW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IVLU drawdown since its inception was -41.85%, smaller than the maximum SPDW drawdown of -60.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IVLU and SPDW.

Drawdown Indicators

	IVLU	SPDW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.85%	-60.02%	+18.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.69%	-11.55%	-0.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.48%	-13.53%	-1.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.04%	-30.21%	+4.17%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.85%	-34.98%	-6.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.23%	-2.99%	+0.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.56%	-12.88%	+4.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.08%	2.99%	+0.09%

Volatility

IVLU vs. SPDW - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI International Value Factor ETF (IVLU) is 5.27%, while SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW) has a volatility of 7.05%. This indicates that IVLU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPDW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IVLU	SPDW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.27%	7.05%	-1.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.94%	14.59%	-1.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.65%	16.72%	-1.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.54%	16.70%	-0.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.44%	17.13%	+0.31%

IVLU vs. SPDW - Expense Ratio Comparison

IVLU has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than SPDW's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

IVLU vs. SPDW - Dividend Comparison

IVLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.38%, more than SPDW's 3.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IVLU iShares MSCI International Value Factor ETF	3.38%	3.71%	4.46%	4.69%	3.59%	3.47%	2.05%	3.53%	2.82%	2.87%	2.53%	0.93%
SPDW SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF	3.06%	3.30%	3.19%	2.75%	3.12%	3.04%	1.87%	3.13%	3.08%	1.86%	3.11%	2.78%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IVLU and SPDW in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, IVLU and SPDW move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, IVLU or SPDW?

SPDW has higher volatility (7.05%) compared to IVLU (5.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IVLU dropped -41.85% vs SPDW's -60.02%.

Which ETF is better, IVLU or SPDW?

On 10-year performance, IVLU leads with 11.56% vs 10.63% for SPDW. On fees, SPDW is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, IVLU has been the lower-risk option at 5.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IVLU or SPDW?

Over the 10-year period, IVLU has performed better with a 11.56% return vs 10.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IVLU or SPDW?

SPDW is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for IVLU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IVLU or SPDW?

IVLU has the higher dividend yield at 3.38%, compared with 3.06% for SPDW.

What is the main difference between IVLU and SPDW?

IVLU tracks MSCI World ex USA Enhanced Value Index, while SPDW tracks S&P Developed Ex-U.S. BMI Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for IVLU and 0.04% for SPDW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IVLU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.21 vs 1.82), 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.