The SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) charges lower fees and boasts a higher yield than the iShares MSCI World ETF (URTH). URTH has more U.S. tech giants, while SPDW focuses solely on developed markets outside the U.S. SPDW has a higher 1-year return but slightly deeper five-year drawdown.

SPDW emphasizes lower costs, with an expense ratio of 0.03% compared to URTH’s 0.24%, and offers a higher dividend yield. URTH includes U.S. equities and is more concentrated in Technology. SPDW’s portfolio leans into Financial Services, Industrials, and Technology, offering broad diversification and exposure to developed markets outside the U.S.

SPDW and URTH both benefitted from the strong international stock rally in 2025, with SPDW gaining approximately 35% and URTH rising 23% over the past year. SPDW avoids U.S. exposure entirely, focusing on developed markets like Japan, the U.K., and Canada. URTH includes U.S. exposure and is more concentrated in Technology.

SPDW tracks developed markets excluding the U.S., with an ultra-low expense ratio of 0.03% and 3.2% dividend yield. URTH takes a global approach including the U.S., with a higher expense ratio of 0.24% and lower dividend yield of 1.5%. SPDW offers a cost-effective way to reduce dependence on American tech giants.

Investors seeking cheaper, income-focused international diversification may prefer SPDW, while those looking for one-fund global simplicity with significant U.S. exposure may opt for URTH. SPDW’s lower costs and global focus make it an attractive choice for reducing U.S. market concentration. URTH offers comfort and familiarity with U.S. market leaders for investors seeking that exposure.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: SPDW’s Lower Costs vs. URTH’s U.S. Giants