VEA vs. ACWX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) and ACWX (iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - VEA tracks the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index while ACWX tracks the MSCI All Country World ex-U.S. Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VEA returned 10.13%/yr vs 9.51%/yr for ACWX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VEA charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for ACWX.

Performance

VEA vs. ACWX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) and iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (ACWX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with VEA having a 15.19% return and ACWX slightly lower at 14.55%. Over the past 10 years, VEA has outperformed ACWX with an annualized return of 10.13%, while ACWX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.51% annualized return.

VEA

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 4.15%
• YTD: 15.19%
• 6M: 18.13%
• 1Y: 32.11%
• 3Y*: 20.11%
• 5Y*: 9.65%
• 10Y*: 10.13%

ACWX

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 3.98%
• YTD: 14.55%
• 6M: 16.91%
• 1Y: 31.47%
• 3Y*: 19.62%
• 5Y*: 8.41%
• 10Y*: 9.51%

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

VEA vs. ACWX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	15.19%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%
ACWX iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF	14.55%	32.59%	5.17%	15.63%	-16.07%	7.67%	10.29%	21.05%	-13.99%	27.20%

Correlation

The correlation between VEA and ACWX is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 1, 2008	0.97

The correlation between VEA and ACWX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

VEA vs. ACWX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VEA	ACWX
Financial Services	23.3%	23.3%
Industrials	19.2%	14.0%
Technology	13.8%	22.4%
Healthcare	8.2%	6.7%
Basic Materials	7.5%	6.7%
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	7.3%
Consumer Defensive	5.6%	5.0%
Energy	5.4%	4.8%
Communication Services	3.4%	4.7%
Utilities	3.3%	2.8%
Real Estate	2.7%	1.2%

Return for Risk

VEA vs. ACWX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 61
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 61

ACWX

ACWX Risk / Return Rank: 61
ACWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
ACWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
ACWX Omega Ratio Rank: 62
ACWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
ACWX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

VEA vs. ACWX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) 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.

	VEA	ACWX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.06	2.04	+0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.84	2.81	+0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.37	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.77	2.77	+0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.82	10.77	+0.05
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VEA vs. ACWX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEA Sharpe Ratio is 2.06, which is comparable to the ACWX Sharpe Ratio of 2.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEA 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VEA	ACWX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.06	2.04	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59	0.52	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59	0.55	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.25	0.23	+0.01

Drawdowns

VEA vs. ACWX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEA drawdown since its inception was -60.68%, roughly equal to the maximum ACWX drawdown of -60.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEA and ACWX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEA	ACWX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.68%	-60.40%	-0.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.63%	-11.42%	-0.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.45%	-13.84%	+0.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.71%	-30.07%	+0.36%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.73%	-35.38%	-0.35%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.66%	-0.84%	+0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.29%	-13.33%	+0.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.98%	2.93%	+0.05%

Volatility

VEA vs. ACWX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) and iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (ACWX) have volatilities of 5.49% and 5.61%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VEA	ACWX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.49%	5.61%	-0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.32%	13.26%	+0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.64%	15.50%	+0.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.54%	16.28%	+0.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.35%	17.38%	-0.03%

VEA vs. ACWX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEA has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than ACWX's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEA vs. ACWX - Dividend Comparison

VEA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.61%, more than ACWX's 2.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACWX iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF	2.46%	2.82%	2.97%	2.96%	2.68%	2.74%	1.88%	3.22%	2.60%	2.40%	2.77%	2.51%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.61%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEA and ACWX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, VEA and ACWX 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, VEA or ACWX?

ACWX has higher volatility (5.61%) compared to VEA (5.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEA dropped -60.68% vs ACWX's -60.40%.

Which ETF is better, VEA or ACWX?

On 10-year performance, VEA leads with 10.13% vs 9.51% for ACWX. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VEA has been the lower-risk option at 5.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VEA or ACWX?

Over the 10-year period, VEA has performed better with a 10.13% return vs 9.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEA or ACWX?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.32% for ACWX.

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

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.61%, compared with 2.46% for ACWX.

What is the main difference between VEA and ACWX?

VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index, while ACWX tracks MSCI All Country World ex-U.S. Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VEA and 0.32% for ACWX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.06 vs 2.04), 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.