# International equity ETFs (outside the US) compared for UAE and NRI investors

Source page: https://www.rudowealth.com/etf/category/international-equity-etfs

ETFs that hold shares outside the United States, in developed markets and, for some, emerging markets too.

| # | Ticker | ETF | Domicile | Currency | 1Y | 3Y (annualised) | 5Y (annualised) | Volatility 3Y | Worst fall 5Y | Expense ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [VXUS](https://www.rudowealth.com/etf/VXUS) | Vanguard Total International Stock ETF | US | USD | +16.9% | +20.4% | +9.3% | 15.4% | -28.8% | 0.05% |
| 2 | [VEA](https://www.rudowealth.com/etf/VEA) | Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF | US | USD | +19.2% | +21.2% | +10.3% | 15.8% | -29.3% | 0.03% |
| 3 | [IEFA](https://www.rudowealth.com/etf/IEFA) | iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF | US | USD | +13.4% | +18.7% | +9.0% | 15.3% | -30.0% | 0.07% |
| 4 | [VEU](https://www.rudowealth.com/etf/VEU) | Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF | US | USD | +17.4% | +20.7% | +9.5% | 15.4% | -28.5% | 0.04% |
| 5 | [EFA](https://www.rudowealth.com/etf/EFA) | iShares MSCI EAFE ETF | US | USD | +13.4% | +18.5% | +9.3% | 15.2% | -29.3% | 0.32% |
| 6 | [SCHF](https://www.rudowealth.com/etf/SCHF) | Schwab International Equity ETF | US | USD | +20.2% | +21.3% | +10.6% | 15.8% | -28.8% | 0.03% |
| 7 | [IXUS](https://www.rudowealth.com/etf/IXUS) | iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF | US | USD | +16.9% | +20.6% | +9.2% | 15.5% | -29.4% | 0.07% |
| 8 | [SPDW](https://www.rudowealth.com/etf/SPDW) | State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF | US | USD | +19.3% | +21.4% | +10.2% | 15.7% | -29.8% | 0.03% |
| 9 | [IDEV](https://www.rudowealth.com/etf/IDEV) | iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF | US | USD | +13.9% | +19.4% | +9.4% | 14.9% | -29.1% | 0.04% |
| 10 | [AVDE](https://www.rudowealth.com/etf/AVDE) | Avantis International Equity ETF | US | USD | +16.3% | +21.5% | +10.8% | 14.9% | -28.7% | 0.23% |
| 11 | [DFAI](https://www.rudowealth.com/etf/DFAI) | Dimensional - International Core Equity Market ETF | US | USD | +15.5% | +20.0% | +10.3% | 14.5% | -27.4% | 0.18% |
| 12 | [ACWX](https://www.rudowealth.com/etf/ACWX) | iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF | US | USD | +17.4% | +20.7% | +9.4% | 15.6% | -29.2% | 0.32% |
| 13 | [DFIC](https://www.rudowealth.com/etf/DFIC) | Dimensional - International Core Equity 2 ETF | US | USD | +16.8% | +20.9% | N/A | 14.3% | -24.4% | 0.22% |

Ordered by fund size, largest first. Total returns with dividends reinvested, in each listing's currency. Leveraged and inverse ETFs are not included.

What differs for an investor living in the UAE:
- US estate tax: a US-domiciled ETF counts as a US asset. For a person who is not a US citizen or resident, US estate tax can apply above US$60,000 of US assets, at rates that rise to 40%. Ireland-domiciled UCITS ETFs are generally not treated as US assets for this tax.
- Tax on US dividends: the UAE has no income tax treaty with the United States, so US dividends paid to a UAE resident usually have 30% withheld. An Irish UCITS fund pays 15% on the US dividends it receives, under the US and Ireland treaty.
- The outcome depends on your nationality, residence and facts, so confirm your own position with a tax adviser. Sources: IRS (https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/some-nonresidents-with-us-assets-must-file-estate-tax-returns; https://www.irs.gov/businesses/international-businesses/united-states-income-tax-treaties-a-to-z).

---
RuDo Wealth is a fee-only cross-border advisory operating through two separate companies. India: RuDo Wealth Investment Advisory, SEBI Registered Investment Adviser, registration INA000019503. UAE: RuDo Digital Wealth, FSRA Financial Services Permission 220155, Category 3C (Retail), ADGM. The entity permitted to serve you depends on your country of residence.

General information, not a recommendation to buy or sell any fund. Past performance does not indicate future returns.