The SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) offers lower fees and a higher yield compared to the iShares MSCI World ETF (URTH). SPDW focuses on developed markets outside the U.S., while URTH holds more U.S. tech giants. SPDW had a higher 1-year return but a slightly deeper five-year drawdown. SPDW has an expense ratio of 0.03% and a dividend yield of 3.2%, making it more affordable and appealing to income-focused investors. In contrast, URTH has a 0.24% expense ratio and a 1.5% dividend yield. SPDW avoids U.S. exposure, while URTH includes U.S. equities and is more concentrated in technology.

Both ETFs saw gains in 2025, with SPDW rising approximately 35% and URTH increasing by 23%. SPDW offers international exposure excluding the U.S., with a low expense ratio and dividend yield. On the other hand, URTH includes U.S. companies and has a higher expense ratio but offers familiarity for investors. Investors seeking cheaper, income-focused international diversification may prefer SPDW, while those looking for global simplicity with significant U.S. exposure may lean towards URTH.

Read more at Nasdaq: International Exposure: SPDW’s Lower Costs vs. URTH’s U.S. Giants