Global ETFs: IXUS Offers Lower Fees and Higher Yield, While SPGM Has Scored Bigger Returns

Core Insights - The State Street SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF (SPGM) offers broader global coverage with a technology focus, while the iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) targets only non-U.S. stocks, has lower fees, and currently provides a higher yield [1][2]. Cost & Size Comparison - SPGM has an expense ratio of 0.09% and assets under management (AUM) of $1.5 billion, while IXUS has a lower expense ratio of 0.07% and a significantly larger AUM of $55.1 billion [3][4]. - The one-year return for SPGM is 21.1%, compared to 31.2% for IXUS, and the dividend yield for SPGM is 1.9%, while IXUS offers 3.1% [3][4]. Performance & Risk Metrics - Over five years, SPGM experienced a maximum drawdown of -25.92%, while IXUS had a higher drawdown of -30.05%. The growth of $1,000 over five years is $1,539 for SPGM and $1,282 for IXUS [5]. Holdings and Sector Allocation - IXUS tracks over 4,100 international stocks, with a sector allocation led by financial services (21%), industrials (15%), and basic materials (13%). Major holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and Samsung Electronics, indicating strong exposure to Asia and Europe [6]. - SPGM holds approximately 2,900 companies, with a significant tilt towards technology (26%), financial services (17%), and industrials (12%). Its largest positions include Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft, highlighting a strong U.S. tech presence [7]. Historical Performance - Since 2021, SPGM has delivered a total return of 71%, equating to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4%, while IXUS has generated a total return of 50% with a CAGR of 8.5% [9][10].