1. Which index it follows
| Index | Companies | Countries | US share |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSCI World | 1,280 | 23 developed | 72% |
| MSCI ACWI | 2,458 | 23 developed and 24 emerging | 64% |
| FTSE All-World | about 4,200 | more than 45, developed and emerging | – |
The figures for the MSCI indices are from 31 August 2026.[1][2] FTSE Russell does not state the US share on the page we used.[3] MSCI World covers developed countries only. The other two add emerging markets such as China, India and Brazil. All three are broad enough to serve as a single core holding.
2. What it costs
Sweden's Pensions Agency gives 0.2% a year as a benchmark for a low fee in a global equity index fund.[4] Two funds that follow the same index hold the same companies, so the cheaper one normally ends up ahead. See What is a good fund fee?
3. How closely it tracks the index
The tracking difference is the gap between the fund's return and the index's return over a year. It shows the real cost, including things the fee does not capture. You find it in the fund's annual report or fact sheet.
4. Whether you can buy it cheaply every month
A fund is only cheap if buying it is cheap. Check that your platform lets you buy it in an automatic monthly plan without a fee per purchase. See Choosing a platform.
5. Accumulating or distributing
For long-term growth, a fund that reinvests the dividends is the simpler choice. See Accumulating or distributing?
Common questions
With or without emerging markets?
Both are broad. An index with emerging markets spreads the money over more countries and lowers the US share from 72% to 64%. Nobody knows which will do better over the coming decades.
Is one fund enough?
For many long-term savers, yes. One global index fund already holds more than a thousand companies. Adding more funds that hold the same companies adds complexity, not diversification.
Sources & further reading
We cite independent authorities so you can verify everything yourself. Last reviewed 15 Sept 2026.