ACWX vs VYM
iShares MSCI ACWI ex US ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM 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 | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $12.0B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.53% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 1,913 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +14.74% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.24% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.16% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.48% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2008 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ACWX vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI ACWI ex US ETF (ACWX) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ACWX returned +26.24% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, ACWX is up 14.74% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, ACWX compounded at +20.16% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.48% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ACWX charges 0.32% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $4 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACWX currently yields 2.53% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ACWX and VYM share 7 holdings out of 1950 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 VYM?
ACWX has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACWX or VYM?
Over the past year ACWX returned +26.24% vs +22.16% for VYM, so ACWX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), ACWX annualized +3.14% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACWX or VYM?
ACWX has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ACWX -60.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ACWX and VYM?
ACWX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ACWX and VYM?
ACWX and VYM share 7 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1950 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACWX or VYM?
ACWX yields 2.53% while VYM yields 2.24%, so ACWX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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