Hark, gentle investors! A spectacle unfolds before us, a trifling yet consequential debate concerning two funds – the iShares MSCI World ETF (URTH) and the iShares MSCI ACWI ex US ETF (ACWX). One might deem it a minor matter, yet observe how readily fortunes are made and lost upon such subtleties! It is, in truth, a comedy of errors, wherein the eager investor, ever seeking yield, is beset by choices that resemble, alas, the whims of fate itself.
Both these instruments, you see, promise a share in the global bounty, yet their approaches differ most remarkably. URTH, with a decidedly American penchant, leans heavily upon the titans of its homeland. ACWX, however, casts its gaze abroad, eschewing the familiar shores of the United States, as if to suggest that prosperity lies solely beyond our borders. A most peculiar notion, wouldn’t you agree?
A Brief Accounting
| Metric | URTH | ACWX |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | iShares | iShares |
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.32% |
| 1-Year Return (as of 1/9/2026) | 23.08% | 35.9% |
| Dividend Yield | 1.5% | 2.83% |
| AUM | $6.74 billion | $7.87 billion |
Observe, if you will, that ACWX demands a slightly higher toll for its services. Yet, in return, it proffers a dividend yield that is, shall we say, more generous. A shrewd investor might ponder whether this additional cost is a price worth paying for a more substantial income stream. Indeed, the pursuit of yield, like the pursuit of happiness, is often a matter of balancing desire with prudence.
A Contest of Performance and Risk
| Metric | URTH | ACWX |
|---|---|---|
| Max Drawdown (5 Years) | -26.06% | -30.06% |
| Growth of $1,000 over 5 Years | $1,644 | $1,251 |
The numbers, as they often do, tell a tale. URTH, though less exuberant in its recent gains, appears to have weathered the storms with a touch more composure. ACWX, however, has demonstrated a capacity for more vigorous growth, though at a slightly greater risk of turbulence. It is a choice, my friends, between a steady carriage and a spirited steed.
The Inner Workings
ACWX, in its wisdom, spreads its affections amongst a vast array of non-U.S. companies – a full 1,751, if you please! – with a particular fondness for those engaged in the world of finance, technology, and industry. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Tencent Holdings, and ASML grace its holdings. A fund for those who wish to avoid the overwhelming dominance of American equities.
URTH, on the other hand, favors a more concentrated approach, with a heavy reliance upon the technological giants of the United States – Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft, to name but a few. A strategy that, while potentially lucrative, carries with it the risk of being overly dependent upon the fortunes of a select few.
Should you seek further enlightenment on the art of ETF investing, I direct you to a most comprehensive guide, available at [link redacted – one must retain some mystery].
A Word to the Wise
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a prudent investor must diversify his holdings. Both URTH and ACWX offer a means to achieve this noble goal, albeit through different paths. URTH, with its American bias, may appeal to those who believe that the future lies firmly within our borders. ACWX, however, presents a more adventurous proposition, inviting you to cast your gaze upon the emerging markets and the untold riches that may lie beyond.
One must also consider the ever-shifting landscape of tariffs and trade wars. While both funds are susceptible to such headwinds, URTH’s inclusion of American companies may offer a degree of protection. A small comfort, perhaps, but a comfort nonetheless.
A Glossary for the Discerning Investor
ETF: An exchange-traded fund, a basket of securities traded like a stock.
Expense Ratio: The annual cost of operating a fund.
Dividend Yield: The annual dividend payment as a percentage of the stock price.
Beta: A measure of volatility.
AUM: Assets under management.
Max Drawdown: The largest peak-to-trough decline.
Total Return: Investment performance including price changes and dividends.
Developed Markets: Advanced economies with stable infrastructure.
Emerging Markets: Developing economies with high growth potential.
Sector Allocation: The distribution of assets across different industries.
Large-Cap: Companies with large market capitalizations.
Mid-Cap: Companies with medium-sized market capitalizations.
Read More
- 39th Developer Notes: 2.5th Anniversary Update
- Gold Rate Forecast
- The 10 Most Beautiful Women in the World for 2026, According to the Golden Ratio
- TON PREDICTION. TON cryptocurrency
- Bitcoin’s Bizarre Ballet: Hyper’s $20M Gamble & Why Your Grandma Will Buy BTC (Spoiler: She Won’t)
- Celebs Who Fake Apologies After Getting Caught in Lies
- Nikki Glaser Explains Why She Cut ICE, Trump, and Brad Pitt Jokes From the Golden Globes
- Dividends: A Most Elegant Pursuit
- Venezuela’s Oil: A Cartography of Risk
- AI Stocks: A Slightly Less Terrifying Investment
2026-01-24 16:23