iShares MSCI World ETF (URTH) review

URTH is a narrower and pricier way to go global than VT. iShares says the fund seeks to track an index of developed-market equities from around the globe, the MSCI World Index (Net), and lists an expense ratio of 0.24% as stated in the prospectus. It held 1,250 holdings and $9,980,061,620 in net assets as of November 12, 2026, pays distributions semi-annually and has traded since January 10, 2012. The 30-day median bid/ask spread was 0.07%, wider than IVV's 0.01%. URTH fits a specific investor: someone who wants the US plus other rich countries in one ticker and prefers to leave out emerging markets. For everyone else, VT covers more of the world with 10,185 stocks for a quarter of the cost, which is why URTH ranks last. It is a real, widely held fund, but on cost alone it is the weakest core choice here.

Who it is for

investors who want developed markets only, without emerging markets

Price

0.24% expense ratio per year, about $24 per $10,000 invested.

Expense Ratio: Fees as stated in the prospectus 0.24%
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Tracks the MSCI World Index (Net) of developed-market stocks
• 1,250 holdings as of November 12, 2026
• 0.24% expense ratio as stated in the prospectus
• Semi-annual distributions
• 30-day median bid/ask spread of 0.07%

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: US and other developed markets in one fund
• Strength: Leaves out emerging markets for investors who want to avoid them
• Strength: 1,250 holdings, more than any S&P 500 fund
• Weakness: 0.24% is four times VT's 0.06%
• Weakness: $9,980,061,620 in net assets, far smaller than the other funds here
• Weakness: No emerging markets and no small caps

Key facts

• Expense ratio: 0.24%
• Index: MSCI World Index (Net)
• Holdings: 1,250 (Nov. 12, 2026)
• Inception: Jan 10, 2012

Where it ranks

iShares MSCI World ETF (URTH) is No. 10 in our Best Index Funds verdict.