VGSvsIWLD
Two of the biggest global ETFs on the ASX compared.
Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF · iShares Core MSCI World All Cap ETF
These ETFs cover similar markets at different price points - IWLD is 9bp cheaper at 0.09%. The fee gap compounds over time even with comparable index exposure. VGS scores notably higher on fund size and liquidity.
Score Breakdown
Fund Profiles
Vanguard's VGS is one of Australia's most popular international ETFs, tracking the MSCI World ex-Australia Index across 23 developed markets with approximately 1,500 holdings. The fund is unhedged, meaning returns include the effect of currency movements, and carries a heavy US weighting of roughly 70 per cent, reflecting America's dominance in global equity markets. Investors seeking a simple, low-cost core international equity holding to pair with an Australian ETF like VAS - building a two-fund global portfolio - will find VGS an ideal foundation for long-term wealth building.
BlackRock's iShares manages IWLD, which tracks the MSCI World ex-Australia Investable Market Index, delivering broad exposure to developed market equities across large, mid, and small-cap companies. Unlike many global ETFs that focus only on large and mid-cap stocks, the IMI methodology captures smaller companies as well, resulting in a significantly wider opportunity set. Investors seeking comprehensive, single-fund international diversification beyond Australian shores - including small-cap names often missed by peers - will find IWLD an efficient core global equity holding.