iShares Core MSCI World ETF URTH

URTH provides essential international diversification by tracking the MSCI World Index covering 23 developed markets and roughly 1,600 companies, with a geographic breakdown of 70% US, 10% Japan, and 5% UK. Its expense ratio of 0.24% is higher than #1 VTI's 0.03% but justified for global access, and Morningstar rates it five stars. Historical data shows the MSCI World outperformed the S&P 500 by an average 1.5% annually from 2000 to 2009, and long-term investors can benefit from multi-decade periods where international exposure reduces volatility despite the 0.21% fee premium over domestic funds.