MSCI ACWI ETF comparison 2026 — all world including emerging markets
The best MSCI ACWI ETFs of 2026 compared — All Country World Index with ~2,900 stocks from 47 countries including emerging markets.
What is the MSCI ACWI?
The MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI) covers about 2,900 stocks from 47 countries — 23 developed markets (as in MSCI World) plus 24 emerging markets such as China, India, Brazil and Taiwan. It thus covers around 85 % of global market capitalisation.
The difference to the MSCI World: the ACWI additionally contains roughly 11 % emerging markets exposure (as of 2026). This increases diversification but also adds more volatility. Anyone who does not want to buy a separate EM ETF gets an all-in-one solution with the ACWI.
An alternative to the ACWI is the FTSE All-World Index (used by Vanguard) which is almost identical — both cover developed and emerging markets. The main difference lies in the index methodology and number of constituents.
MSCI ACWI ETFs compared 2026
The largest MSCI ACWI ETF in Europe with over €12 bn in fund volume. Physical replication, accumulating. Covers about 1,600 stocks from 47 countries (large and mid caps). Tradable on Xetra and available as a savings plan at most German brokers.
- Largest ACWI ETF in Europe — highest liquidity
- Physical replication — no counterparty risk
- Includes EM — real global diversification
- Savings plan at TR, Scalable, ING and others
- TER 0.20 % — more expensive than pure MSCI World ETFs
- ~11 % EM adds volatility
- Lower EM coverage than a dedicated EM ETF
The MSCI ACWI Investable Market Index (IMI) goes even further than the standard ACWI and also includes small caps — more than 9,000 stocks in total from 47 countries. This makes IMID the most complete world ETF in the comparison. TER only 0.17 %.
- Incl. small caps — broadest world diversification
- Lower TER than IQQW (0.17 %)
- Physical replication
- Lower fund volume → wider spreads
- Fewer savings-plan brokers
Amundi’s answer to the ACWI — synthetically replicated, accumulating, with the lowest TER in the ACWI segment. Especially suited for cost-optimised buy-and-hold investors. Savings plan available at selected brokers.
MSCI ACWI vs MSCI World — direct comparison
| Criterion | MSCI ACWI | MSCI World |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks | ~2,900 | ~1,500 |
| Countries | 47 (incl. EM) | 23 (DM only) |
| Emerging markets | Yes (~11%) | No |
| Cheapest TER | 0.15% | 0.12% |
| US weight | ~60% | ~70% |
| Savings-plan availability | ✓ Wide | ✓ Very wide |
Frequently asked questions — MSCI ACWI
What is the difference between MSCI ACWI and MSCI World?
In addition to the 23 developed markets of the MSCI World, the MSCI ACWI also contains 24 emerging markets such as China, India, Brazil, Taiwan. It is therefore more broadly diversified but also carries more political risk and higher volatility.
MSCI ACWI or MSCI World + EM separately — which is better?
A single ACWI ETF is simpler (one product, one rebalancing). Two separate ETFs (e.g. MSCI World 80 % + MSCI EM 20 %) however allow individual weight adjustments and are often cheaper in combined TER. For beginners the ACWI is the simpler solution.
Is IQQW available as a savings plan at Trade Republic?
Yes — the iShares MSCI ACWI (IQQW) is available as a savings plan at Trade Republic, Scalable Capital, ING and Flatex. Check your broker’s website to confirm the exact ETF is offered.
MSCI ACWI or FTSE All-World (VWCE)?
Both indices are very similar — both cover developed and emerging markets. The FTSE All-World (used by Vanguard, e.g. VWCE) contains slightly more stocks (~4,000 vs ~2,900 in the ACWI) and classifies some countries (e.g. South Korea) differently. Long term, the performance differences are minimal.
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⚠️ Disclaimer: all data without guarantee. Not investment advice. ETF data (TER, fund volume) may change — always check the official factsheet. Past performance is no indicator of future results.