Simplified World
The simplest solution
SimpleLong termTOB 0.12%
A single ETF that replicates the performance of the largest global companies. The simplest strategy for exposure to developed markets — no rebalancing necessary.
Key facts
TOB0.12%on purchase and sale
Weighted average TER0.20%annual management fees
Securities (~)~1 400companies worldwide
Historical return~8.2% / yr2005–2025
Reynders taxNot applicable
DividendsAuto-reinvested
Based on the MSCI World index in EUR, dividends reinvested
Portfolio composition
IWDA100%Acc.
iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF (Acc)
ISIN: IE00B4L5Y983
TER 0.20%View on justETF↗
Average yearly return
Index · EUR · gross · past performance1 yr
+6.8%
3 yrs
+15.7%
5 yrs
+13.3%
10 yrs
+12.1%
Source: MSCI World Index (EUR, net dividends reinvested). Annualized returns to end-2025, EUR, gross of Belgian taxes (TOB, précompte mobilier, CGT) and ETF fees (TER). Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Why this strategy?
- 10.12% TOB: the accumulating share class of IWDA is not registered in Belgium with the FSMA — the reduced 0.12% stock exchange tax applies to purchase and sale.
- 2No annual withholding tax on dividends: IWDA is an accumulating fund — dividends are automatically reinvested in the fund, without deduction of the 30% Belgian withholding tax (précompte mobilier).
- 3Diversification in 1 click: the MSCI World index covers approximately 1,400 of the largest companies across 23 developed countries — United States, Europe, Japan, etc. — in their natural proportions.
- 4Competitive TER: at 0.20%/year, it is one of the most accessible world ETFs on the Belgian market.
Alternatives & comparisons
SWRD
SPDR MSCI World UCITS ETF Acc
TER 0.12%TOB 0.12%Acc.
Advantages
- +0.12% TER — 40% cheaper than IWDA
- +Same MSCI World index
- +0.12% TOB
Disadvantages
- −Slightly lower liquidity than IWDA
- −Lower AUM (~€18bn vs ~€129bn for IWDA)
Verdict : Excellent choice if your broker offers free transactions on SPDR. The lower TER compensates for the slightly lower liquidity over the long term.
IMIE
State Street SPDR MSCI All Country World Investable Market UCITS ETF (Acc)
TER 0.17%TOB 0.12%Acc.
Advantages
- +Includes emerging markets + small caps (~9,000 companies according to the MSCI ACWI IMI index, ~4,500 held via representative sampling)
- +Slightly lower TER (0.17%)
- +0.12% TOB
Disadvantages
- −Single issuer manages everything (SPDR)
- −Slightly more volatile (exposure to emerging markets)
Verdict : The natural upgrade if you want complete global diversification. This is the "All-in-one" strategy of this site.
VWCE
Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF Acc
TER 0.19%TOB 1.32%Acc.
Advantages
- +High liquidity (~€49bn AUM)
- +Recognised Vanguard brand
- +Includes emerging markets
Disadvantages
- −TOB potentially 1.32% depending on the broker — some apply 0.12%, others 1.32%. Check before investing
- −Higher TER of 0.19%
- −No small caps
Verdict : To be avoided for Belgian investors — the applicable TOB varies by broker — from 0.12% to 1.32%. In the worst case, you pay €132 in taxes on €10,000 compared to €12 with IMIE. Essential to check with your broker before any purchase.
Tax disclaimer
0.12% TOB on purchase and sale. 10% capital gains tax on annual net gains exceeding the €10,000 exemption — only the excess above this threshold is taxed at 10%. The unused portion of the exemption can be carried forward (maximum €1,000 per year over 5 years), allowing to reach an exemption ceiling of €15,000 in a given year. Accumulating funds: no annual withholding tax on automatically reinvested dividends. Rates used are indicative — past performance does not guarantee future results.