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

The State Street SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF (NYSEMKT:SPGM) delivers broader global coverage and a tech tilt, while the iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (NASDAQ:IXUS) focuses on non-U.S. stocks, boasts lower fees, and currently yields more.

Both SPGM and IXUS aim to cover the global equity landscape, but their approaches differ: SPGM mixes U.S. and international stocks for all-in-one exposure, whereas IXUS targets only non-U.S. companies. This comparison highlights key differences in cost, performance, sector allocation, and risk for investors considering a global or international ETF core.

Snapshot (Cost & Size)

Beta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from five-year weekly returns. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months.

IXUS looks marginally more affordable with its 0.07% expense ratio, and its 3.1% dividend yield outpaces SPGM’s 1.9%, potentially appealing to cost-conscious or income-focused investors.

Performance & Risk Comparison

What's Inside

IXUS tracks over 4,100 international stocks, with a sector mix led by financial services (21%), industrials (15%), and basic materials (13%). Top holdings such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Samsung Electronics Ltd, and Asml Holding Nv reveal heavy exposure to Asia and Europe. The fund’s 13.3-year history and large asset base may appeal to those seeking a seasoned, liquid international vehicle.

SPGM holds about 2,900 companies spanning both U.S. and international markets, with a tilt toward technology (26%), financial services (17%), and industrials (12%). Its largest positions—Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:NVDA), Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL), and Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT)—underscore a strong U.S. tech presence, offering a different risk-return profile compared to IXUS’s more diversified international focus.

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What This Means For Investors

For retail investors seeking exposure to global stocks, State Street SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF (SPGM) and iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) are definitely two exchange traded funds (ETFs) worth exploring. Here’s what makes them tick.

First, let’s review how these funds have performed. Dating back to 2021, SPGM has delivered a total return of 71%, equating to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4%. IXUS, meanwhile, has generated a total return of 50%, with a CAGR of 8.5%. That’s a significant difference, and one that prospective investors should bear in mind. The most likely cause of SPGM’s superior performance comes down to its substantial holdings of U.S. tech stocks like Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft.

Turning to other characteristics, both funds have similar expense ratios: 0.09% for SPGM and 0.07% for IXUS. As for income potential, IXUS offers more. It has a dividend yield of 3.1%, while SPGM has a dividend yield of 1.9%. Finally, IXUS is a much larger fund, with over $55 billion in AUM, while SPGM has about $1 billion in AUM. That gives IXUS an edge when it comes to liquidity — how easily investors can trade in and out of shares.

In summary, SPGM is a global fund with significant holdings of American big tech stocks. Those holdings have helped it deliver a superior performance to IXUS over the last five years, but it may dampen its appeal among investors seeking more international exposure. Furthermore, IXUS offers greater income given its higher dividend yield. IXUS is also far larger than SPGM based on AUM.

Jake Lerch has positions in Nvidia. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends ASML, Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.