Better iShares International ETF: ACWX vs. IEMG

Core Insights - The iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) focuses on emerging markets with a lower expense ratio, while the iShares MSCI ACWI ex US ETF (ACWX) provides broader non-U.S. exposure with a slightly higher yield and lower risk in recent periods [1][2] Cost and Size Comparison - IEMG has an expense ratio of 0.09% and assets under management (AUM) of $120.1 billion, while ACWX has an expense ratio of 0.32% and AUM of $7.9 billion [3] - Both IEMG and ACWX have a dividend yield of 2.7%, with IEMG showing a 1-year return of 36.8% compared to ACWX's 34.2% [3] Performance and Risk Comparison - Over the past five years, IEMG experienced a maximum drawdown of -37.16%, while ACWX had a lower maximum drawdown of -30.06% [5] - The growth of $1,000 over five years was $1,083 for IEMG and $1,267 for ACWX, indicating better performance for ACWX in terms of growth [5] Fund Composition - ACWX holds 1,751 stocks with a sector mix led by Financial Services (25%), Technology (15%), and Industrials (15%), with major holdings including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (3.83%) and Tencent Holdings Ltd (1.48%) [6] - IEMG focuses on 2,725 stocks, with a sector tilt favoring Technology (26%), Financial Services (21%), and Consumer Cyclical (12%), featuring top holdings like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (10.73%) and Tencent Holdings Ltd (4.14%) [7] Investment Implications - IEMG is suitable for investors seeking exposure to emerging markets with higher growth potential and lower costs, albeit with a higher risk profile [10] - ACWX is recommended for investors looking to reduce risk through a mix of stable developed and high-growth emerging markets, despite its higher fees [11]