Two major exchange-traded funds, the iShares MSCI World ETF and the SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF, present investors with distinct approaches to developed market equities. The funds differ most notably in their cost structures, dividend yields, and geographic concentrations.
SPDW charges an expense ratio of 0.03%, significantly lower than URTH's 0.24%. SPDW also offers a dividend yield of 3.2%, compared to URTH's 1.5%. As of January 9, 2026, SPDW reported a one-year total return of 35.3%, while URTH posted a 22.9% return over the same period.
In terms of holdings, URTH includes U.S. equities and shows a heavy concentration in the technology sector, which accounts for 34% of its assets. Its top positions are in Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft, which together make up nearly 14% of the fund. The fund manages approximately $7.0 billion in assets.
SPDW, by contrast, focuses exclusively on developed markets outside the United States. Its portfolio is more diversified across 2,390 stocks, with larger allocations to financial services and industrials. Its largest holdings are Roche, Novartis, and Toyota Motor, each constituting about 1% of assets. SPDW has $34.1 billion in assets under management.
Performance data shows SPDW experienced a deeper five-year maximum drawdown of 30.20%, compared to URTH's 26.06%. An illustration of growth indicates a $1,000 investment in URTH would have grown to $1,659 over five years, while the same investment in SPDW would have reached $1,321.
Both funds participated in a strong international stock rally during 2025. Market observers note the performance coincided with a weakening U.S. dollar and investor search for opportunities beyond expensive American technology stocks.