CWI vs VYM
State Street SPDR MSCI ACWI ex-US ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. CWI delivered stronger 1-year returns. CWI offers more diversification with 1,156 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CWI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.9B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.71% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 1,156 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +13.62% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.17% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.97% | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.93% | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 10, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CWI vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI ACWI ex-US ETF (CWI) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CWI returned +25.17% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, CWI is up 13.62% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Over three years, CWI compounded at +20.97% per year against +19.14% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.93% and +12.45% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs +3.53%. 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 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 -62.4% for CWI 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
CWI charges 0.30% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $4 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CWI currently yields 2.71% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CWI and VYM share 3 holdings out of 1715 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CWI or VYM?
CWI has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CWI or VYM?
Over the past year CWI returned +25.17% vs +23.85% for VYM, so CWI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), CWI annualized +3.53% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CWI or VYM?
CWI has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: CWI -62.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CWI and VYM?
CWI 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 CWI and VYM?
CWI and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1715 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CWI or VYM?
CWI yields 2.71% while VYM yields 2.24%, so CWI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.