Side by side

VWRA vs SWDA

VWRA covers developed and emerging markets; SWDA covers developed markets only. Since Vanguard's 2026 fee cut, VWRA is also the cheaper of the two (0.14% vs 0.20%), so the main reason to pick SWDA is if you want to add emerging markets separately, on your own terms.

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Same return for bothIsolates the effect of fees
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A fair, like-for-like testBoth funds get the same return, so any difference comes from fees alone.
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Currency

After 25 years

VWRA vs SWDA
VWRA
$451,472
7% − 0.14% fee · fees cost $10,819
SWDA
$446,925
7% − 0.2% fee · fees cost $15,365

VWRA ends $4,546 ahead (1% more), entirely because of its lower fee.

You put in $160,000 either way.

How they differ

VWRASWDA
IndexFTSE All-WorldMSCI World
Fee (TER)0.14%0.2%
DividendsAccumulatingAccumulating
DomicileIrelandIreland
ListingLondon Stock Exchange (USD)London Stock Exchange (GBP)
ProviderVanguardiShares

Highlighted rows are where the two funds differ.

Growth side by side

Hover or tap the chart for any year
VWRA balanceYour contributionsSWDA
$0$125k$250k$375k$500kNowYr 2Yr 4Yr 6Yr 8Yr 10Yr 12Yr 14Yr 16Yr 18Yr 20Yr 22Yr 25

Assumes monthly compounding at constant rates with contributions at the end of each month. Before personal taxes. Educational estimate only — real returns vary year to year.

Key differences

  • VWRA tracks the FTSE All-World; SWDA tracks the MSCI World. That is the biggest difference in what you actually own.
  • VWRA is cheaper: 0.14% a year versus 0.2%. On $10,000 plus $500 a month for 25 years at 7%, that fee gap is worth about $4,546.
  • VWRA trades on London Stock Exchange in USD; SWDA trades on London Stock Exchange in GBP. Check which your broker offers and what it charges for currency conversion.

About each fund

VWRA — Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF (USD) Accumulating

A single fund holding thousands of large and mid-sized companies across developed and emerging markets. Popular with investors outside the US who want one-fund global exposure with dividends reinvested automatically.

SWDA — iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF (Acc)

Covers large and mid-sized companies across 23 developed markets, with no emerging markets. One of the largest UCITS ETFs; also listed as IWDA in Amsterdam.

Fund details checked November 2026. Always confirm current figures on each provider's factsheet.

Questions about VWRA vs SWDA

Is VWRA or SWDA better?

It depends on what you want to own. VWRA gives you the FTSE All-World; SWDA gives you the MSCI World. Neither is guaranteed to do better — use the calculator above with different return assumptions to see the range.

Which is cheaper, VWRA or SWDA?

VWRA is cheaper at 0.14% a year, versus 0.2%. Fees checked November 2026; confirm with each provider.

Can I hold both VWRA and SWDA?

Yes. Some investors combine them to set their own mix, but check the overlap — many large companies may appear in both.

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