IETC vs VXUS
IETC vs VXUS
iShares US Tech Independence Focused ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IETC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $658M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.39% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +9.32% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.09% | +28.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.83% | +18.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.72% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 2018 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IETC vs VXUS Performance
iShares US Tech Independence Focused ETF (IETC) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IETC returned +13.09% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, IETC is up 9.32% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, IETC compounded at +25.83% per year against +18.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +14.72% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, IETC has the edge at +20.37% annualized vs +4.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IETC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.6% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -38.5% for IETC and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IETC charges 0.18% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $5 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IETC currently yields 0.39% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IETC and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 7960 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IETC or VXUS?
IETC has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IETC or VXUS?
Over the past year IETC returned +13.09% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IETC annualized +20.37% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IETC or VXUS?
IETC has been the more volatile fund at 21.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IETC -38.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IETC and VXUS?
IETC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IETC and VXUS?
IETC and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7960 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IETC or VXUS?
IETC yields 0.39% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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