The iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF (IWDA) tracks the MSCI World Index, which includes around 1,280 large and mid-cap companies from 23 developed markets and covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalisation in each country. The ETF holds 1,279 stocks, has a total expense ratio (TER) of 0.20% per year and manages more than $153 billion, making it one of the largest ETFs in Europe (data as of 31 August 2026).
IWDA average annual return
In USD, IWDA delivered an average annual return of +11.27% over the last 5 years and +11.17% per year since its launch in September 2009, with dividends reinvested (data as of 31 August 2026). If you go back to the end of 2000, the MSCI World Index returned +7.53% per year in USD and +6.64% per year in EUR.
In this table, you will find the return of IWDA in USD, its base currency, as of 31 August 2026:
| Period | IWDA (USD) | MSCI World (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 year to date | +13.10% | +13.10% |
| 1 year | +20.39% | +20.37% |
| 3 years (annualised) | +20.14% | +20.11% |
| 5 years (annualised) | +11.27% | +11.21% |
| Since launch, September 2009 (annualised) | +11.17% | +11.21% |
Source: iShares factsheet, data as of 31 August 2026. Fund performance is shown on a NAV basis, net of fees, with dividends reinvested. The benchmark is the MSCI World Index (Net).
Over the 10 calendar years from 2016 to 2025, IWDA returned +217.74% in total, or +12.26% per year in USD (calculated by Fintech Finder from the calendar-year returns below).
Returns per calendar year (in USD):
| Year | Return |
|---|---|
| 2026 (to 31 August) | +13.10% |
| 2025 | +21.16% |
| 2024 | +18.70% |
| 2023 | +23.86% |
| 2022 | -18.03% |
| 2021 | +21.90% |
| 2020 | +15.95% |
| 2019 | +27.76% |
| 2018 | -8.65% |
| 2017 | +22.45% |
| 2016 | +7.73% |
| 2015* | -0.87% |
| 2014* | +4.94% |
| 2013* | +26.68% |
| 2012* | +15.83% |
| 2011* | -5.54% |
| 2010* | +11.76% |
| 2009* | +29.99% |
| 2008* | -40.71% |
| 2007* | +9.04% |
| 2006* | +20.07% |
| 2005* | +9.49% |
| 2004* | +14.72% |
| 2003* | +33.11% |
Source: iShares factsheet (2016 to 2026) and MSCI (2003 to 2015).
*These years show the net return of the MSCI World Index in USD, the index that IWDA tracks. IWDA was launched in September 2009, and the fund’s official factsheet only shows its last 10 calendar years. Index returns do not include the ETF’s 0.20% TER, so the ETF’s return would have been slightly lower.
What does this mean?
Using the 10-year period as an example: if an investor had put $1,000 in IWDA at the start of 2016, the investment would have been worth about $3,177 at the end of 2025, with dividends reinvested and before broker fees and taxes.
Not every year is positive: IWDA lost 18.03% in 2022, and the MSCI World Index fell 40.71% in 2008. That’s why the long-term return since 2000 (+7.53% per year in USD) is much lower than the last 10 years. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.
Why do returns differ in EUR and USD?
IWDA’s base currency is the US dollar, and around 72% of the fund is invested in US companies. If you buy IWDA in euros on Euronext Amsterdam or Xetra (where it trades as EUNL), your return also depends on the EUR/USD exchange rate. When the dollar weakens against the euro, your return in EUR is lower than the figures above, and the opposite happens when the dollar strengthens. Since the end of 2000, this effect cost euro investors almost 0.9 percentage points per year (+6.64% in EUR vs +7.53% in USD).
Calculation methodology
We used the performance figures from the iShares factsheet of the iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF USD (Acc) (ISIN IE00B4L5Y983), with data as of 31 August 2026, and calculated the 10-year return by compounding the calendar-year returns from 2016 to 2025. For years before 2016, we used the net returns of the MSCI World Index in USD from the MSCI factsheet. The long-term figures since December 2000 come from the same MSCI factsheet, as of 31 August 2026.
Common questions
What is the average annual return of IWDA?
IWDA returned +11.27% per year in USD over the last 5 years and +11.17% per year since its launch in September 2009, with dividends reinvested (as of 31 August 2026). Since the end of 2000, its index returned +7.53% per year in USD and +6.64% per year in EUR.
What is the difference between IWDA and VWCE?
IWDA tracks the MSCI World Index, which only includes developed markets, while VWCE tracks the FTSE All-World Index, which also includes emerging markets such as China, Taiwan and India. IWDA has a higher TER (0.20% vs 0.14%). See our article on the VWCE average annual return for a comparison.
Where can I buy IWDA?
IWDA is listed in EUR on Euronext Amsterdam (IWDA) and Xetra (EUNL), and in GBP on the London Stock Exchange (SWDA). You can buy it through most European online brokers. See our ranking of the best online brokers for European investors.
Bottom line
Over the last 10 years, IWDA delivered around 12% per year in USD, helped by the strong performance of US technology companies. Over the longer period since 2000, which includes the 2000s bear markets and the 2008 crisis, its index returned closer to 7.5% per year in USD. If you invest in euros, remember that currency movements also affect your return.
For the latest official data, see the IWDA factsheet.
Did you find any inaccurate information? Please let us know!
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and is not investment advice. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, and when investing your capital is at risk.
Franklin has three years of experience in Wealth Management as a Fund Research Analyst, has passed the CFA level II, and is the host of the "Edge Over Hedge" YouTube channel.
