ACWX vs IVV
iShares MSCI ACWI ex US ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. ACWX delivered stronger 1-year returns. ACWX offers more diversification with 1,913 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACWX | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12.0B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.53% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 1,913 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +15.69% | +12.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.74% | +21.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.58% | +22.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.43% | +12.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2008 | May 15, 2000 |
ACWX vs IVV Performance
iShares MSCI ACWI ex US ETF (ACWX) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year ACWX returned +27.74% while IVV returned +21.89%. Year to date, ACWX is up 15.69% versus a gain of 12.71% for IVV.
Over three years, ACWX compounded at +20.58% per year against +22.08% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +9.43% and +12.96% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.00% annualized vs +3.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ACWX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.0% compared with 15.1% for IVV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -60.6% for ACWX and -56.5% for IVV. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ACWX charges 0.32% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $3 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACWX currently yields 2.53% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
ACWX and IVV share 5 holdings out of 1854 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ACWX or IVV?
ACWX has an expense ratio of 0.32% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACWX or IVV?
Over the past year ACWX returned +27.74% vs +21.89% for IVV, so ACWX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), ACWX annualized +3.19% vs +7.00% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACWX or IVV?
ACWX has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: ACWX -60.6% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both ACWX and IVV?
ACWX and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ACWX and IVV?
ACWX and IVV share 5 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1854 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACWX or IVV?
ACWX yields 2.53% while IVV yields 1.10%, so ACWX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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