MSCI World returns by year
MSCI World has returned +12.1% annually (CAGR) since 2013. Calendar-year, monthly and weekly total returns for the MSCI World (proxied by URTH, dividends reinvested) below, through September 8, 2026 — the most recent year is Through September 8, 2026; the running year is MSCI World year-to-date.
- Annualized
- +12.1%
- 2013–2026
- Average year
- +12.6%
- 13 full years
- Best year
- +28.1%
- 2019
- Worst year
- -18.0%
- 2022
- Positive years
- 10/13
- 77% up
MSCI World returns by year (2013–2026)#
Calendar-year returns with each year's path and its dividend contribution (dividend return = total minus price return). Every year has a direct link you can bookmark or share.
| Year | Start price | End price | Path | Dividend | Total return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026YTD | $185.77 | $208.67 | chart → | +0.8% | +13.1% |
| 2025 | $155.5 | $185.77 | +1.9% | +21.4% | |
| 2024 | $133.02 | $155.5 | +1.8% | +18.7% | |
| 2023 | $109.25 | $133.02 | +2.2% | +23.9% | |
| 2022 | $135.32 | $109.25 | +1.3% | -18.0% | |
| 2021 | $112.41 | $135.32 | +1.9% | +22.3% | |
| 2020 | $98.78 | $112.41 | +2.0% | +15.8% | |
| 2019 | $78.87 | $98.78 | +2.9% | +28.1% | |
| 2018 | $88.11 | $78.87 | +1.9% | -8.6% | |
| 2017 | $73.08 | $88.11 | +2.4% | +22.9% | |
| 2016 | $69.6 | $73.08 | +2.3% | +7.3% | |
| 2015 | $71.66 | $69.6 | +2.2% | -0.6% | |
| 2014 | $70.27 | $71.66 | +2.4% | +4.4% | |
| 2013 | $56.11 | $70.27 | +1.4% | +26.7% |
Total return by period#
Methodology#
Returns are total returns (dividends reinvested), computed from URTH's split- and dividend-adjusted closes — a standard proxy for the MSCI World. The bar chart switches between annual and monthly periods. Annualized return is the compound annual growth rate over the full period. The current year is year-to-date. Past performance does not predict future returns; not investment advice.
FAQ#
- What is MSCI World's average annual return?
- Since 2013, the MSCI World (proxied by URTH, dividends reinvested) has returned about 12.1% a year (the compound annual growth rate) and an average calendar-year return of 12.6%.
- What were MSCI World's best and worst years?
- Over 2013–2026, the best year was 2019 (+28.1%) and the worst was 2022 (-18.0%).
- How often is MSCI World up in a year?
- 10 of the 13 full years since 2013 were positive — about 77% of the time.
More on MSCI World
- Monthly returns-0.1%
- Weekly returns-0.5%
- Trailing returns+20.0%
- YTD return+13.1%
- Drawdown from high−1.3%