What does 'Foreign Large Blend' mean for ACWX?

'Foreign Large Blend' for ACWX means the fund invests in large-cap companies outside the US, mixing growth and value stocks. This category captures a broad range of international markets. In contrast, VOO is 'Large Blend', focusing on large US companies with a mix of growth and value. Understanding these categories helps explain why the funds hold different types of securities and respond to different economic drivers. This distinction is fundamental when comparing their overall market exposure.

How do expense ratios affect ETF returns?

An expense ratio is an annual fee charged to manage an ETF, deducted from its assets. For instance, ACWX has a 0.32% ratio, while VOO has a much lower 0.03%. Over time, even small differences in these fees can significantly impact net returns, especially in long-term holdings. A higher expense ratio means a larger portion of the fund's returns goes towards costs, potentially reducing the investor's overall gain. This is a key factor to consider when comparing similar funds.

What does a fund's dividend yield represent?

A dividend yield indicates the annual dividends paid by a fund relative to its share price. ACWX has a dividend yield of 2.45%, compared to VOO's 1.03%. This means ACWX pays out more in dividends per dollar invested, which can appeal to investors seeking income. However, a higher yield does not always mean better returns. The yield reflects current distributions and does not guarantee future payments. Understanding yields helps investors align their income needs with fund characteristics.

What are the top holdings of VOO?

VOO's top holdings include major US tech companies such as NVDA (8.08%), AAPL (7.03%), and MSFT (5.70%). Other significant holdings are AMZN (3.84%), GOOGL (3.01%), and AVGO (2.65%). These top positions highlight VOO's concentration in the technology sector and other large-cap US firms. Knowing the top holdings helps investors understand the fund's specific market exposure and potential risks associated with sector concentration. Sector weights are not available for a detailed breakdown.

Are there any shared top holdings between ACWX and VOO?

No shared top-10 holdings exist between ACWX and VOO. ACWX's top holdings are not available, while VOO's top holdings are US-based companies like NVDA and AAPL. This lack of overlap underscores the fundamental difference in their investment focus: ACWX targets international markets, whereas VOO is dedicated to the US S&P 500 index. Investors should be aware that these funds serve different purposes within a diversified portfolio, with minimal direct overlap in their most significant positions.

How do ACWX's and VOO's expense ratios compare?

ACWX's expense ratio is 0.32%, while VOO's is significantly lower at 0.03%. This represents a 0.29 percentage point difference. For an investor, this means VOO's management costs are substantially less, allowing more of its returns to compound over time. When comparing funds, it is crucial to look at these net asset values and fee structures, as lower costs generally lead to higher net gains, especially when considering their respective inception dates of March 26, 2008, for ACWX and September 7, 2010, for VOO.

What geographic regions do ACWX and VOO target?

ACWX targets large-cap companies in international markets outside the United States, offering a 'Foreign Large Blend' exposure. Conversely, VOO targets large US companies, specifically those within the S&P 500 index, representing 'Large Blend' domestic equities. This geographic distinction means ACWX provides diversification away from the US economy, while VOO offers concentrated exposure to leading American firms. Understanding these differing regional focuses is essential for investors seeking to build a balanced global portfolio.

How do the inception dates and asset sizes compare?

ACWX was launched on March 26, 2008, and holds $12.3 billion in net assets. VOO was launched later, on September 7, 2010, but has grown to a much larger size with $1.08 trillion in net assets. While ACWX has a longer operational history, VOO's significantly larger asset base contributes to its high liquidity and widespread adoption. These factors can influence how easily investors can buy and sell shares, and they also reflect the funds' respective market penetration and investor confidence over time.

Where can I find the index ACWX or VOO tracks?

Currently, the specific index tracked by ACWX (MSCI ACWI ex US) and VOO (S&P 500) is not available for detailed methodology review on this comparison page. While their fund names strongly suggest these indices, without explicit index data, investors must rely on the broader category descriptions ('Foreign Large Blend' and 'Large Blend') and top holding information (when available, as with VOO) to infer market positioning. Always consult official fund documentation for complete and current index tracking details.

How do distributions work for these ETFs?

ETF distributions are payments made from a fund's income or capital gains. ACWX offers a dividend yield of 2.45%, implying regular income distributions, while VOO has a lower yield of 1.03%. These yields are derived from the underlying holdings and represent the return of profit to shareholders. Investors receive these payments based on their number of shares and the fund's specific distribution schedule. It is vital to understand that yield alone doesn't dictate investment suitability; the underlying composition and fund's total return performance play equally important roles.

What should beginners know about sector weights for these ETFs?

For both ACWX and VOO, detailed sector weights are not available on this page. This limitation means that while you can see VOO's top ten individual holdings (like NVDA at 8.08%) and understand ACWX's general 'Foreign Large Blend' classification, a precise industry breakdown for the entire portfolio remains unclear. Beginners should interpret available data cautiously, noting that top holdings do not necessarily reflect full sector representation. Checking official fund prospectuses is recommended for deeper portfolio insights.

How does the difference in expense ratio (0.32% vs 0.03%) compound over time?

A 0.29 percentage point difference in expense ratio (ACWX 0.32% vs VOO 0.03%) compounds significantly over long investment horizons. This means the higher fee reduces ACWX's net return by an additional 0.29% each year compared to VOO. For example, on a hypothetical $100,000 investment, the annual fee difference is roughly $290, which also loses potential growth. Over decades, the gap between the final values of the two funds widens dramatically, demonstrating why low-cost options like VOO are often favoured for long-term accumulation strategies.

ACWX vs VOO

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in October 2026.

Compare ACWX (MSCI ACWI ex US Index iShares) and VOO (S&P 500 Vanguard ETF). This page reviews fees, holdings, dividends, and market tracking methods. ACWX offers foreign large blend exposure with a 0.32% expense ratio, while VOO focuses on large US blend with 0.03%. Note: Index tracked is not available for either fund. Educational content, not financial advice.

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

ACWX

Metric

VOO

0.32%

Expense Ratio

0.03%

2.45%

Dividend Yield

1.03%

$12.33B

Net Assets

$1.08T

1,911

Holdings

516

Mar 26, 2008

Inception Date

Sep 7, 2010

–

Index Tracked

–

Foreign Large Blend

Fund Category

Large Blend

VOO costs about $29.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

These funds do not share any of their top holdings.

Discover More Comparisons

ACWX vs CWI

Compare ACWX and CWI ETFs on fees, holdings, dividends and tracking. ACWX charges 0.32%; CWI is 0.30%. Check yields and fund details for research.

ACWX vs VXUS

ACWX vs VXUS compared: 0.32% vs 0.05% expense ratio, MSCI vs FTSE ex-US indexes, 1,911 vs 8,860 holdings, TSMC-led top ten, yield, size and fit.

ACWX vs SPY

Compare ACWX and SPY ETFs on fees, dividends, and holdings. ACWX tracks foreign stocks with 2.45% yield; SPY covers US equities with 0.09% expense.

Investment Analysis

ACWX

Pros

Investing in ACWX provides exposure to foreign large blend markets with a $12.3 billion net asset base for stability.
The fund offers a dividend yield of 2.45 percent, suitable for investors seeking regular income distribution.
With an inception date of March 26 2008 ACWX has a long operational history within international equity markets.

Considerations

The expense ratio of 0.32 percent is relatively high compared to lower cost index funds available today.
Top holdings and sector weights are not available limiting detailed analysis of the portfolio's composition.
The index tracked is not available making it difficult to assess specific methodologies or benchmarks.

VOO

Pros

VOO charges an expense ratio of 0.03 percent offering extremely cost efficient exposure to the US market.
With net assets totaling $1.08 trillion VOO has one of the highest liquidity levels among ETFs.
Launched on September 7 2010 the fund benefits from a strong reputation and long track record.

Considerations

The dividend yield is 1.03 percent which may not satisfy income seeking investors looking for regular payouts.
Holdings like NVDA at 8.08 percent indicate a concentration in major technology stocks.
Sector weights are not available which prevents a clear understanding of the industry breakdown.

Related Market Insights

Go Global: Why Smart Money is Fleeing US Markets

Smart money is shifting from US to international markets. Discover why global ETFs offer better valuations & diversification. Invest in undervalued European & Asian stocks with Nemo's Go Global Neme.

Aimee Silverwood | Financial Analyst

25 July 2025

Read Insight

Related Market Insights

Go Global: Why Smart Money is Fleeing US Markets

Smart money is shifting from US to international markets. Discover why global ETFs offer better valuations & diversification. Invest in undervalued European & Asian stocks with Nemo's Go Global Neme.

Aimee Silverwood | Financial Analyst

25 July 2025

Read Insight

About ACWX and VOO

ACWX (ACWX)

iShares MSCI ACWI ex US (ticker: ACWX) is an exchange‑traded fund that aims to track the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index, providing broad equity exposure to developed and emerging markets outside the United States. It holds a diversified mix of large‑ and mid‑cap companies across many countries and sectors, helping investors gain international weightings in a single product. Key considerations include currency movements, country‑specific political and economic risks, and tracking error versus the underlying index. As an ETF, it typically offers intraday liquidity and transparent holdings, but fees and market conditions can affect returns. This summary is general educational information only and not personal financial advice; values can rise or fall and returns are not guaranteed. Investors should check the fund’s prospectus, costs, holdings and suitability for their individual goals and consider seeking regulated financial advice if unsure.

VOO (VOO)

VOO is Vanguard’s exchange-traded fund designed to track the S&P 500 Index, offering broad exposure to about 500 of the largest publicly traded US companies. It aims to replicate the index’s performance minus fees by holding the same stocks in similar proportions, making it a straightforward, passive way to access large‑cap US equities. Investors commonly use VOO as a core holding for long‑term growth or as a simple building block in a diversified portfolio. It typically offers high liquidity and regular dividend distributions from underlying companies. As with any equity investment, VOO’s value can rise or fall with the market, and past performance is not a guide to future returns. Fees, trading costs and potential tracking error reduce returns slightly. This information is general and educational only and not personalised financial advice — consider your own circumstances or speak to a qualified adviser before investing.

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Go Global

As investors seek alternatives to US assets, these international markets are gaining attention. Our analysts have carefully selected these ETFs to help you capitalize on global opportunities and diversify beyond US borders.

Published: 8 May 2025

Explore Basket

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Go Global

Published: 8 May 2025

Explore Basket

Buy ACWX or VOO in Nemo

🆓

Zero Commission

Trade stocks, ETFs, and more with zero commission. Keep more of your returns.

🔒

Trusted & Regulated

Part of Exinity Group 2015, serving over a million customers globally.

💰

6% Interest on Cash

Earn 6% AER on uninvested cash with daily interest payments.

ACWX vs VOO

Fund Snapshot