IFRA vs VXUS
IFRA vs VXUS
iShares US Infrastructure 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IFRA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $4.6B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.54% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 168 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +14.62% | +13.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.63% | +27.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.58% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2018 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IFRA vs VXUS Performance
iShares US Infrastructure ETF (IFRA) 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 IFRA returned +22.63% while VXUS returned +27.42%. Year to date, IFRA is up 14.62% versus a gain of 13.40% for VXUS.
Over three years, IFRA compounded at +17.58% per year against +18.54% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.19% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, IFRA has the edge at +12.25% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IFRA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -41.1% for IFRA 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IFRA charges 0.30% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $5 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IFRA currently yields 1.54% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IFRA and VXUS share 12 holdings out of 8011 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IFRA | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRP:CA | 1.88% | 0.15% | 1.73% |
| SRE | 1.71% | 0.00% | 1.71% |
| AMRZ:SM | 0.89% | 0.07% | 0.82% |
| FTS:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JHX:AU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EMA:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| STN:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AQN:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UUUU:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IFRA shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IFRA or VXUS?
IFRA has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IFRA or VXUS?
Over the past year IFRA returned +22.63% vs +27.42% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IFRA annualized +12.25% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IFRA or VXUS?
IFRA has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IFRA -41.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IFRA and VXUS?
IFRA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IFRA and VXUS?
IFRA and VXUS share 12 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8011 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IFRA or VXUS?
IFRA yields 1.54% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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