Best MSCI World ETFs
Published by Radif Partners · Updated
BeginnerCompare the top MSCI World ETFs available in Europe. The MSCI World index tracks over 1,500 large and mid-cap stocks across 23 developed countries.
This guide reviews 75 MSCI World ETFs funds available in Europe. They track 51 different indices, which is the first thing to check: two funds filed under the same theme do not necessarily hold the same securities, and a one-year performance gap is often explained by that rather than by how the fund is run. Their ongoing charges start at 0.05% for an average of 0.24%, and 25 of them pay their dividends out while the rest reinvest them. 56 are domiciled in IE, which sets the withholding tax the fund suffers on the dividends it receives. The oldest, EWC, launched in 1996, giving 30 years of history, enough to see how it behaved in a fall. The order on this page does not follow past performance: over the horizons published it says more about the index tracked than about how the fund is run, and it does not repeat. What counts are the fees, the assets and the tracking quality, the figures that are known in advance.
Updated 2025-05
The MSCI World index is the cornerstone of most passive investment portfolios. Created by MSCI in 1986, it tracks over 1,500 large and mid-cap stocks across 23 developed countries, the US, Japan, the UK, France, Germany, Canada and more. With roughly 70% allocated to American companies, it provides natural geographic diversification while capturing the growth of the world's most mature economies.
For European investors, an MSCI World ETF is often the first, and sometimes the only, investment you need. It provides exposure to the entire developed global economy in a single portfolio line, with management fees (TER) typically ranging from 0.10% to 0.30% per year. MSCI World ETFs come in accumulating (automatic dividend reinvestment) or distributing versions, and several are eligible for tax-advantaged wrappers like the French PEA through synthetic replication.
This comparison ranks the leading MSCI World ETFs available on European exchanges by fees, historical performance, fund size (AUM), and replication method. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced investor, this page helps you identify the best MSCI World ETF for your situation.
0.24%
+14.3%
2153.0B
75
VXUS, FTSE Global All Cap ex US
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Simulated from available data points. Past returns do not guarantee future results.
Best Performance
Lowest Cost
Largest Funds
How to choose an MSCI World ETF
Choosing an MSCI World ETF comes down to several key criteria. The TER (Total Expense Ratio) is the most visible: the best ETFs charge between 0.10% and 0.20%, which over 20 years can represent thousands of euros in difference on a €100,000 portfolio. Look for funds with AUM above €500 million, which ensures good liquidity and long-term viability.
Replication method also matters. Physical replication (the fund actually holds the index stocks) offers greater transparency, while synthetic replication (via swaps) enables eligibility for the French PEA, a significant tax advantage for French residents. Amundi and BNP Paribas offer PEA-eligible MSCI World ETFs at reasonable fees.
Finally, the choice between accumulating and distributing depends on your goal. During the wealth-building phase, an accumulating ETF is more tax-efficient: dividends are reinvested automatically without triggering taxation. For investors seeking regular income, a distributing ETF pays out dividends periodically. Also check the listing currency and fund domicile (Ireland or Luxembourg for withholding tax optimisation).
Full Comparison
| # | Name | TER | AUM | Replication | Distribution | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | VXUSVanguard FTSE Global All Cap ex US | 0.07% | 649.3B | physical | distributing | +11.3% | +17.4% | +5.0% | |
| 2 | VEAVanguard FTSE Developed All Cap ex US | 0.05% | 313.5B | physical | distributing | +13.5% | +18.1% | +5.9% | |
| 3 | IEFAiShares MSCI EAFE Investable Market | 0.07% | 190.2B | physical | distributing | +8.8% | +15.9% | +4.8% | |
| 4 | IWDAiShares MSCI World | 0.20% | 122.2B | physical | accumulating | +13.8% | +23.1% | +11.0% | |
| 5 | VTVanguard FTSE Global All Cap | 0.07% | 101.2B | physical | distributing | +11.8% | +20.0% | +8.0% | |
| 6 | VEUVanguard FTSE All-World ex US | 0.07% | 95.7B | physical | distributing | +11.7% | +17.6% | +5.3% | |
| 7 | VWCEVanguard FTSE All-World | 0.19% | 87.3B | physical | accumulating | +19.0% | +20.7% | +11.3% | |
| 8 | VWRLVanguard FTSE All-World | 0.19% | 87.3B | physical | distributing | +13.3% | +17.5% | +9.4% | |
| 9 | EFAiShares MSCI EAFE | 0.32% | 76.7B | physical | distributing | +8.9% | +15.9% | +5.2% | |
| 10 | SCHFSchwab FTSE Developed ex US | 0.06% | 67.9B | physical | distributing | +12.9% | +18.0% | +6.1% | |
| 11 | ACWIiShares MSCI ACWI | 0.32% | 32.8B | physical | distributing | +12.0% | +20.4% | +8.5% | |
| 12 | IUSQiShares MSCI ACWI | 0.20% | 28.6B | physical | accumulating | +19.2% | +20.8% | +11.4% | |
| 13 | FNDFSchwab Russell RAFI Developed ex US Large Company | 0.25% | 25.6B | physical | distributing | +22.1% | +20.8% | +9.8% | |
| 14 | DFIVDimensional Dimensional International Value | 0.27% | 21.8B | physical | distributing | +21.7% | +21.7% | +10.7% | |
| 15 | XDWDXtrackers MSCI World | 0.12% | 19.2B | physical | accumulating | +18.7% | +20.8% | +11.8% | |
| 16 | SPPWSPDR MSCI World | 0.12% | 16.2B | physical | accumulating | +18.7% | +20.9% | +11.9% | |
| 17 | VHVEVanguard FTSE Developed World | 0.12% | 11.6B | physical | distributing | +15.9% | +23.6% | +11.2% | |
| 18 | FNDESchwab Russell RAFI Developed ex US Large Company | 0.25% | 10.3B | physical | distributing | +15.0% | +18.6% | +5.2% | |
| 19 | IQQWiShares MSCI World | 0.50% | 9.4B | physical | distributing | +17.2% | +19.2% | +10.1% | |
| 20 | IUSNiShares MSCI World Small Cap | 0.35% | 8.8B | physical | accumulating | +17.9% | +18.0% | +6.8% | |
| 21 | WSMLiShares MSCI World Mid-Cap Equal Weighted | 0.30% | 8.8B | physical | accumulating | +12.9% | +20.2% | +6.1% | |
| 22 | WLDSiShares MSCI World ESG Screened | 0.20% | 8.8B | physical | accumulating | -15.3% | +16.6% | +6.7% | |
| 23 | HMWOHSBC MSCI World | 0.15% | 8.7B | physical | accumulating | -15.7% | +17.8% | +10.1% | |
| 24 | IWVLiShares MSCI World Enhanced Value | 0.30% | 7.8B | physical | accumulating | +41.2% | +30.1% | +16.4% | |
| 25 | JREGJPMorgan JPMorgan Asset Management Global REI | 0.25% | 7.5B | physical | accumulating | +14.5% | +22.3% | +11.2% | |
| 26 | XDWLXtrackers MSCI World | 0.12% | 7.5B | physical | distributing | +17.3% | +19.0% | +10.1% | |
| 27 | EWCiShares MSCI Canada | 0.50% | 7.0B | physical | distributing | +19.2% | +23.1% | +8.9% | |
| 28 | DFNGXtrackers MSCI World Low Carbon SRI Leaders | 0.20% | 6.9B | physical | accumulating | -9.8% | +31.8% | – | |
| 29 | VDNRVanguard FTSE Global All Cap Choice | 0.24% | 6.8B | physical | distributing | +14.4% | +23.2% | +10.7% | |
| 30 | SUSWiShares MSCI World SRI Select Reduced Fossil Fuels | 0.20% | 6.7B | physical | accumulating | +16.7% | +16.4% | +8.9% | |
| 31 | IWMOiShares MSCI World Momentum | 0.30% | 6.4B | physical | accumulating | +17.9% | +28.1% | +10.9% | |
| 32 | IWQUiShares MSCI World Sector Neutral Quality | 0.30% | 6.4B | physical | accumulating | +15.9% | +20.8% | +9.9% | |
| 33 | XMWOXtrackers MSCI World Total Return Net | 0.45% | 6.2B | synthetic | accumulating | – | – | – | |
| 34 | CW8Amundi MSCI World | 0.38% | 6.2B | synthetic | accumulating | +17.4% | +20.4% | +11.5% | |
| 35 | MSCIAmundi MSCI World | 0.30% | 5.8B | synthetic | distributing | – | – | – | |
| 36 | CLWDiShares MSCI World ESG Screened | 0.20% | 4.6B | physical | accumulating | – | – | – | |
| 37 | XDEVXtrackers MSCI World Enhanced Value | 0.25% | 4.5B | physical | accumulating | +6.6% | +26.3% | +17.3% | |
| 38 | MVOLiShares MSCI World Minimum Volatility | 0.30% | 4.2B | physical | accumulating | +7.2% | +12.8% | +5.7% | |
| 39 | XDWHXtrackers MSCI World Financials | 0.25% | 4.0B | physical | accumulating | +19.4% | +10.0% | +6.2% | |
| 40 | ZPRSSPDR MSCI World Small Cap | 0.45% | 4.0B | physical | accumulating | – | – | – | |
| 41 | WSRIAmundi MSCI World SRI Filtered PAB | 0.18% | 4.0B | physical | accumulating | +18.6% | +9.5% | +4.4% | |
| 42 | SUSMiShares MSCI World Small Cap ESG Enhanced Focus CTB | 0.35% | 3.9B | physical | accumulating | +17.0% | +19.6% | +4.3% | |
| 43 | MWRDAmundi MSCI World | 0.12% | 3.5B | physical | accumulating | +18.7% | – | – | |
| 44 | XHLTXtrackers MSCI World Health Care | 0.25% | 3.2B | physical | accumulating | – | – | – | |
| 45 | XDEQXtrackers MSCI World Sector Neutral Quality | 0.25% | 2.8B | physical | accumulating | +3.2% | +18.5% | +10.7% | |
| 46 | PANWAmundi MSCI World | 0.38% | 2.5B | synthetic | accumulating | – | – | – | |
| 47 | XDEMXtrackers MSCI World Momentum | 0.25% | 2.4B | physical | accumulating | +5.2% | +25.7% | +11.7% | |
| 48 | LGGGL&G Solactive Core Developed Markets Large & Mid Cap | 0.10% | 2.1B | physical | accumulating | +14.6% | +19.5% | +11.9% | |
| 49 | WPABiShares MSCI World Climate Paris Aligned Benchmark | 0.20% | 1.8B | physical | accumulating | – | – | – | |
| 50 | WHCSiShares MSCI World Health Care | 0.25% | 1.8B | physical | distributing | – | – | – | |
| 51 | XDWFXtrackers MSCI World Information Technology | 0.25% | 1.5B | physical | accumulating | +18.4% | +25.0% | +12.9% | |
| 52 | ESGVInvesco MSCI World ESG Universal Select Business Screens | 0.19% | 1.5B | physical | accumulating | – | – | – | |
| 53 | FWIAFranklin FTSE Developed | 0.15% | 1.5B | physical | accumulating | – | – | – | |
| 54 | XDWIXtrackers MSCI World Industrials | 0.25% | 1.3B | physical | accumulating | +12.8% | +20.0% | +11.3% | |
| 55 | WITSiShares MSCI World Information Technology | 0.25% | 1.3B | physical | distributing | +23.6% | – | – | |
| 56 | WFNSiShares MSCI World Financials | 0.25% | 1.2B | physical | distributing | – | – | – | |
| 57 | EWLDAmundi MSCI World | 0.38% | 1.1B | synthetic | distributing | +16.1% | – | – | |
| 58 | XDEWXtrackers MSCI World Equal Weighted | 0.25% | 1.0B | physical | accumulating | +18.2% | +16.1% | +8.5% | |
| 59 | SAWDiShares MSCI World Climate Paris Aligned Benchmark Select | 0.20% | 1.0B | physical | accumulating | +13.2% | +23.6% | +11.1% | |
| 60 | XDWSXtrackers MSCI World Consumer Staples | 0.25% | 911M | physical | accumulating | +14.7% | +9.6% | +6.4% | |
| 61 | LOWCiShares MSCI World Low Carbon Target | 0.20% | 900M | physical | distributing | – | – | – | |
| 62 | XDWUXtrackers MSCI World Utilities | 0.25% | 877M | physical | accumulating | +5.7% | +15.3% | +9.0% | |
| 63 | DFENiShares S&P Developed BMI Select Aerospace & Defense | 0.35% | 800M | physical | accumulating | – | – | – | |
| 64 | XDWQXtrackers MSCI World Consumer Discretionary | 0.25% | 800M | physical | accumulating | – | – | – | |
| 65 | XDWGXtrackers MSCI World Energy | 0.25% | 800M | physical | accumulating | – | – | – | |
| 66 | XDWMXtrackers MSCI World Materials | 0.25% | 798M | physical | accumulating | +23.0% | +13.7% | +8.2% | |
| 67 | PRFHInvesco FTSE RAFI All-World 3000 | 0.39% | 700M | physical | distributing | – | – | – | |
| 68 | WNRGiShares MSCI World Energy | 0.25% | 600M | physical | distributing | +52.1% | +20.6% | +20.3% | |
| 69 | XDWEXtrackers MSCI World Real Estate | 0.25% | 500M | physical | accumulating | – | – | – | |
| 70 | XDWCXtrackers MSCI World Communication Services | 0.25% | 333M | physical | accumulating | +0.1% | +11.6% | +3.8% | |
| 71 | ESGWUBS MSCI World SRI Low Carbon Select 5% Issuer Capped | 0.22% | 314M | physical | accumulating | +15.2% | +23.0% | +10.5% | |
| 72 | JPGLJPMorgan JP Morgan Diversified Factor Global Equity | 0.19% | 293M | physical | accumulating | +16.7% | +19.1% | +9.3% | |
| 73 | WVALSPDR MSCI World Value Exposure Select | 0.25% | 259M | physical | accumulating | +26.6% | +24.3% | +13.6% | |
| 74 | XMLDXtrackers MSCI World Real Estate | 0.25% | 132M | physical | accumulating | +33.9% | +18.6% | +11.9% | |
| 75 | SPYYSPDR MSCI ACWI | 0.40% | 9M | physical | accumulating | -23.6% | – | – |
Key takeaways
- 1The cheapest MSCI World ETFs have a TER around 0.10-0.12%, offered by iShares (IWDA), SPDR and Invesco.
- 2Synthetic replication is essential for accessing MSCI World through a French PEA, Amundi CW8 remains the benchmark in France.
- 3AUM above €1 billion guarantees excellent liquidity and tight bid-ask spreads.
- 4Irish domiciliation reduces US dividend withholding tax (15% vs 30%), a tangible advantage for net performance.
- 5Over the long term, the MSCI World has delivered roughly 8-10% annualised returns, but with occasional drawdowns of 30-50% during crises.
- 6A single MSCI World ETF is enough to cover the core equity allocation of a diversified portfolio.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an MSCI World ETF and an MSCI ACWI ETF?
Can you invest in an MSCI World ETF through a PEA?
How much should I invest in an MSCI World ETF to get started?
What is the main risk of an MSCI World ETF?
Accumulating vs distributing MSCI World ETF: which should I choose?
How often is the MSCI World index rebalanced?
Data sourced from fund factsheets. Last updated 2025-05.