Which Global ETF is the Right Choice? SPGM and SPDW Offer Differing Approaches

The debate over international exposure is centered on two State Street SPDR ETFs: SPGM and SPDW, which use different approaches to global stock investing. SPGM (NYSEMKT:SPGM) aims for broad, “all-in-one” exposure to the global equity market, targeting the MSCI ACWI IMI Index with 2,927 holdings, launched in 2012. SPDW (NYSEMKT:SPDW) focuses on developed markets outside the U.S., following the S&P Developed Ex-U.S. BMI Index with 2,439 holdings, launched in 2007. The funds differ in cost and income: SPDW’s expense ratio is 0.03% versus SPGM’s 0.09%, and SPDW shows a 3.10% trailing yield. SPGM tilts heavily toward technology at 31.00% and includes Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft among top holdings, while SPDW shows a larger “cash and others” allocation.