CWI vs VXUS
State Street SPDR MSCI ACWI ex-US ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. CWI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CWI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.9B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.71% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 1,156 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.28% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.76% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.08% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.94% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 10, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
CWI vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI ACWI ex-US ETF (CWI) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CWI returned +27.76% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, CWI is up 15.28% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, CWI compounded at +21.08% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.94% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +3.61%. 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 15.1% 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 -62.4% for CWI 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
CWI charges 0.30% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $5 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CWI currently yields 2.71% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
CWI and VXUS share 770 holdings out of 8214 unique holdings combined, representing a 39.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CWI or VXUS?
CWI has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CWI or VXUS?
Over the past year CWI returned +27.76% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so CWI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), CWI annualized +3.61% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CWI or VXUS?
CWI has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: CWI -62.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CWI and VXUS?
CWI 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 CWI and VXUS?
CWI and VXUS share 770 common holdings with a 39.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8214 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CWI or VXUS?
CWI yields 2.71% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so CWI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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