CWI vs VTI
State Street SPDR MSCI ACWI ex-US ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. CWI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CWI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.9B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.71% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,156 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.31% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.04% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.17% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.29% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 10, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
CWI vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI ACWI ex-US ETF (CWI) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CWI returned +26.04% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, CWI is up 14.31% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, CWI compounded at +21.17% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.29% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +3.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CWI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -62.4% for CWI and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CWI charges 0.30% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $3 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CWI currently yields 2.71% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
CWI and VTI share 2 holdings out of 3900 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CWI or VTI?
CWI has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CWI or VTI?
Over the past year CWI returned +26.04% vs +21.39% for VTI, so CWI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), CWI annualized +3.56% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CWI or VTI?
CWI has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: CWI -62.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both CWI and VTI?
CWI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CWI and VTI?
CWI and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3900 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CWI or VTI?
CWI yields 2.71% while VTI yields 1.07%, so CWI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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