ACWX vs VXUS
iShares MSCI ACWI ex US ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ACWX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACWX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $12.0B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.53% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 1,913 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +14.74% | +14.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.24% | +25.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.16% | +20.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.48% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ACWX vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI ACWI ex US ETF (ACWX) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ACWX returned +26.24% while VXUS returned +25.32%. Year to date, ACWX is up 14.74% versus a gain of 14.33% for VXUS.
Over three years, ACWX compounded at +20.16% per year against +20.47% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.48% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.84% annualized vs +3.14%. 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 VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ACWX charges 0.32% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $5 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACWX currently yields 2.53% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ACWX and VXUS share 920 holdings out of 8303 unique holdings combined, representing a 52.9% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ACWX or VXUS?
ACWX has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACWX or VXUS?
Over the past year ACWX returned +26.24% vs +25.32% for VXUS, so ACWX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ACWX annualized +3.14% vs +4.84% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACWX or VXUS?
ACWX has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ACWX -60.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ACWX and VXUS?
ACWX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between ACWX and VXUS?
ACWX and VXUS share 920 common holdings with a 52.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8303 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACWX or VXUS?
ACWX yields 2.53% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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