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NZAC vs. ACWX: One Fund Screens for Climate Goals, One Excludes the U.S.
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-17 11:14
Core Insights - The SPDR MSCI ACWI Climate Paris Aligned ETF (NZAC) is characterized by its lower cost and technology focus, while the iShares MSCI ACWI ex US ETF (ACWX) provides a higher yield, greater international diversification, and significantly more assets under management [1][2] Cost and Size Comparison - NZAC has an expense ratio of 0.12% compared to ACWX's 0.32%, making NZAC more cost-effective [3][4] - As of January 9, 2026, NZAC has a 1-year return of 22.0% and a dividend yield of 1.9%, while ACWX has a 1-year return of 34.2% and a dividend yield of 2.7% [3][4] - NZAC has assets under management (AUM) of $182.0 million, whereas ACWX has AUM of $8.4 billion [3][12] Performance and Risk Comparison - Over a five-year period, NZAC experienced a maximum drawdown of -28.29%, while ACWX had a maximum drawdown of -30.06% [5] - An investment of $1,000 in NZAC would have grown to $1,501 over five years, compared to $1,267 for ACWX [5] Sector Exposure - ACWX holds approximately 1,700 stocks, with major sector allocations in financial services (25%), technology (15%), and industrials (15%) [7] - NZAC has a heavier tilt towards technology at 35% and includes major U.S. companies like Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft [8][11] Investment Focus - NZAC integrates climate-focused screening and includes U.S. stocks, aligning with the Paris Climate Agreement by excluding fossil fuels and controversial weapons [10][11] - ACWX focuses solely on non-U.S. companies, providing pure international exposure without climate or ESG considerations [10][12] Strategic Considerations - Investors must decide between NZAC's climate alignment and ACWX's dedicated international allocation, depending on their portfolio strategy [10][13]