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

Explore how differing sector weights and global coverage shape the risk and income profiles of these two core ETF contenders.The State Street SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF (SPGM +0.19%) delivers broader global coverage and a tech tilt, while the iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS +0.33%) 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)MetricSPGMIXUSIssuerSPDRISharesExpense ratio0.09%0.07%1-yr return (as of 2026-02-04)21.1%31.2%Dividend yield1.9%3.1%Beta0.930.80AUM$1.5 billion$55.1 billionBeta 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 ComparisonMetricSPGMIXUSMax drawdown (5 y)-25.92%-30.05%Growth of $1,000 over 5 years$1,539$1,282What's InsideIXUS 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 (NVDA 2.21%), Apple Inc (AAPL 2.20%), and Microsoft Corp (MSFT 0.16%)—underscore a strong U.S. tech presence, offering a different risk-return profile compared to IXUS’s more diversified international focus.For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link.What This Means For InvestorsFor 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. Read NextFeb 8, 2026 •By Adé HennisHow Does IEMG's Growth Focus Against IXUS' Broader International Diversification?Feb 8, 2026 •By Robert IzquierdoBetter iShares International ETF: IEFA vs. IXUSFeb 8, 2026 •By Adé HennisHow Do These Two Top International ETFs Stack Up Against Each Other?Feb 7, 2026 •By Sara AppinoIEMG vs. IXUS: Should You Bet on Emerging Markets or Diversify With Total International Stocks?Jan 26, 2026 •By Adé HennisEEM Offers More Of An Internation Focus on Tech Than IXUSDec 22, 2025 •By Eric TrieVXUS vs. IXUS: Two Paths to Global Market CoverageAbout the AuthorJake Lerch is a contributing Motley Fool technology analyst covering artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, e-commerce, and semiconductors. Prior to The Motley Fool, Jake worked for 12 years at Credit Suisse, an international investment bank. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in economics from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.TMFRescueDogStocks MentionediShares Trust - iShares Core Msci Total International Stock ETFNASDAQ: IXUS$92.54 (+0.33%) $+0.30SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETFNYSEMKT: SPGM$79.67 (+0.19%) $+0.15*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.