QWLD vs. VWICX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

QWLD (SPDR MSCI World StrategicFactors ETF) and VWICX (Vanguard International Core Stock Fund Investor Shares) are both funds - QWLD is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI World Factor Mix A-Series (USD), while VWICX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Vanguard. QWLD is passively managed, while VWICX is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, QWLD returned 10.02%/yr vs 12.60%/yr for VWICX. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QWLD charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for VWICX.

Performance

QWLD vs. VWICX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR MSCI World StrategicFactors ETF (QWLD) and Vanguard International Core Stock Fund Investor Shares (VWICX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QWLD achieves a 6.01% return, which is significantly lower than VWICX's 15.90% return.

QWLD

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: -0.86%
• YTD: 6.01%
• 6M: 6.01%
• 1Y: 17.56%
• 3Y*: 15.91%
• 5Y*: 10.02%
• 10Y*: 11.80%

VWICX

• 1D: 1.61%
• 1M: 3.76%
• YTD: 15.90%
• 6M: 16.52%
• 1Y: 37.37%
• 3Y*: 22.21%
• 5Y*: 12.60%
• 10Y*: —

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

QWLD vs. VWICX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
QWLD SPDR MSCI World StrategicFactors ETF	6.01%	17.93%	14.44%	19.59%	-13.30%	21.57%	10.24%	6.89%
VWICX Vanguard International Core Stock Fund Investor Shares	15.90%	38.41%	8.62%	14.30%	-10.76%	11.70%	9.12%	7.42%

Correlation

The correlation between QWLD and VWICX is 0.80, 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	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 24, 2019	0.83

The correlation between QWLD and VWICX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

QWLD vs. VWICX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QWLD	VWICX
Technology	25.9%	16.0%
Financial Services	14.5%	24.1%
Healthcare	12.7%	8.7%
Communication Services	9.2%	5.8%
Industrials	8.1%	11.6%
Consumer Defensive	7.4%	6.2%
Consumer Cyclical	5.1%	8.6%
Utilities	3.8%	4.0%
Energy	3.3%	5.2%
Basic Materials	2.2%	7.7%
Real Estate	0.5%	2.2%

Return for Risk

QWLD vs. VWICX — Risk / Return Rank

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

QWLD

QWLD Risk / Return Rank: 53
QWLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
QWLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
QWLD Omega Ratio Rank: 52
QWLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
QWLD Martin Ratio Rank: 58

VWICX

VWICX Risk / Return Rank: 75
VWICX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
VWICX Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
VWICX Omega Ratio Rank: 75
VWICX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
VWICX Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

QWLD vs. VWICX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR MSCI World StrategicFactors ETF (QWLD) and Vanguard International Core Stock Fund Investor Shares (VWICX). 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.

	QWLD	VWICX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	2.36	-0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.56	3.18	-0.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.44	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.30	3.40	-1.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.94	13.18	-3.25

QWLD vs. VWICX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QWLD Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is comparable to the VWICX Sharpe Ratio of 2.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QWLD and VWICX, 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

QWLD vs. VWICX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QWLD drawdown since its inception was -31.89%, smaller than the maximum VWICX drawdown of -34.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QWLD and VWICX.

Drawdown Indicators

	QWLD	VWICX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.89%	-34.37%	+2.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.66%	-10.84%	+3.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.40%	-13.28%	+0.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.84%	-24.94%	+2.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.89%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.25%	0.00%	-1.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.69%	-5.72%	+2.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.77%	2.79%	-1.02%

Volatility

QWLD vs. VWICX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR MSCI World StrategicFactors ETF (QWLD) is 2.78%, while Vanguard International Core Stock Fund Investor Shares (VWICX) has a volatility of 6.51%. This indicates that QWLD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VWICX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QWLD	VWICX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.78%	6.51%	-3.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.81%	13.41%	-5.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.84%	15.61%	-5.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.54%	15.47%	-1.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.20%	18.01%	-2.81%

QWLD vs. VWICX - Expense Ratio Comparison

QWLD has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than VWICX's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

QWLD vs. VWICX - Dividend Comparison

QWLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.84%, less than VWICX's 3.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QWLD SPDR MSCI World StrategicFactors ETF	1.84%	1.85%	1.74%	1.78%	2.02%	1.77%	1.77%	2.13%	2.33%	2.73%	2.22%	3.42%
VWICX Vanguard International Core Stock Fund Investor Shares	3.74%	4.33%	2.58%	2.10%	1.99%	4.27%	1.80%	0.11%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QWLD and VWICX in my portfolio?

QWLD and VWICX have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QWLD or VWICX?

VWICX has higher volatility (6.51%) compared to QWLD (2.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QWLD dropped -31.89% vs VWICX's -34.37%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VWICX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.36 vs 1.79), 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.