A Guide to Low-Cost ETFs

Low-cost ETFs can help investors keep more of their returns over time. Here are five ultra-low-cost options spanning U.S. stocks, international markets and bonds.

Zacks Investment Research • Oct 10, 2026

Vanguard VEA vs. State Street SPDW: Which Developed Markets ETF Wins This Tight Race?

Both Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF and State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF carry an ultra-low 0.03% expense ratio. State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF offers a higher dividend yield at 3% compared to 2.4% for the Vanguard fund.

The Motley Fool • Oct 9, 2026

Better Foreign Markets ETF: Vanguard's VT vs. State Street's SPDW

The Vanguard Total World Stock ETF provides broad global coverage including U.S. and emerging markets, while the State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF focuses exclusively on foreign developed markets. The State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF features a lower expense ratio and a significantly higher dividend yield than the Vanguard fund.

The Motley Fool • Oct 1, 2026

International Investing: International Outperformance Vs. S&P 500 Is Healthy, And It's Still Early

International or non-US investing has been quietly putting up robust numbers for shareholders. Today, we are seeing international, gold and even grains of late start to rally, without much give-back in the S&P 500 or Nasdaq.

Seeking Alpha • Sep 4, 2026

How to invest in a booming stock market that's way cheaper than the S&P 500

Poland's reclassification as a developed economy from an emerging market opens it up for investment by many more investors.

Market Watch • Sep 3, 2026

Better International ETF: the iShares IEFA vs. State Street's SPDW

The iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF manages significantly more assets under management (AUM) and offers a higher dividend yield than the State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF. The State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF features a lower expense ratio and has delivered higher total returns over the trailing 12 months.

The Motley Fool • Aug 29, 2026

SPDW: Price Action Matters More Than Concerning Macro Trends

State Street S&P SPDR Portfolio Dev World ex-US ETF (SPDW) earns a reiterated buy rating, supported by strong YTD outperformance and record highs. SPDW benefits from unique inclusion of Samsung and SK Hynix, robust AI trade exposure, and a compelling 13.85x P/E with >10% long-term EPS growth. Broad sector diversification, high dividend yield (2.91%), and a balanced value-growth mix enhance SPDW's appeal for both growth and income investors.

Seeking Alpha • Aug 17, 2026

Vanguard Is Bullish on Developed Markets Outside the U.S. -- But How Can You Buy Them? These 2 ETFs Can Help.

Vanguard predicts that international stocks in developed markets might significantly outperform U.S. growth stocks in the future. A State Street ETF holds more than 2,400 global stocks and has delivered 9.8% annualized returns for the past five years.

The Motley Fool • Aug 14, 2026

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

State Street SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF provides broad exposure to both developed and emerging markets, whereas State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF focuses on international developed markets State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF offers a significantly lower expense ratio and a higher dividend yield for income-focused investors State Street SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF has shown lower volatility over the past five years with a smaller maximum drawdown compared to its counterpart

The Motley Fool • Jul 25, 2026

Want to Buy ETFs With Samsung and SK Hynix? These 2 ETFs Can Deliver.

Samsung and SK Hynix are popular South Korean AI chip stocks, and SK just debuted on the Nasdaq. The three global ETFs below all include Samsung and SK Hynix as part of their top stock holdings.

The Motley Fool • Jul 14, 2026