IGE vs VXUS
IGE vs VXUS
iShares North American Natural Resources ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IGE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IGE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $744M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.11% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 156 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +17.45% | +11.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.36% | +26.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.82% | +18.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.66% | +8.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 44.8% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 22, 2001 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IGE vs VXUS Performance
iShares North American Natural Resources ETF (IGE) 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 IGE returned +35.36% while VXUS returned +26.65%. Year to date, IGE is up 17.45% versus a gain of 11.69% for VXUS.
Over three years, IGE compounded at +15.82% per year against +18.15% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +18.66% and +8.66% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IGE has the edge at +14.35% annualized vs +4.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IGE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 44.8% compared with 15.0% 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 -72.3% for IGE 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IGE charges 0.39% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $5 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IGE currently yields 2.11% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IGE and VXUS share 42 holdings out of 7969 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IGE | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENB:CA | 3.30% | 0.26% | 3.04% |
| CNQ:CA | 2.32% | 0.20% | 2.12% |
| AEM:CA | 2.23% | 0.28% | 1.95% |
| SU:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TRP:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABX:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WPM:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CCJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FNV:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVE:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IGE 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, IGE or VXUS?
IGE has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IGE or VXUS?
Over the past year IGE returned +35.36% vs +26.65% for VXUS, so IGE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IGE annualized +14.35% vs +4.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IGE or VXUS?
IGE has been the more volatile fund at 44.8% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IGE -72.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IGE and VXUS?
IGE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IGE and VXUS?
IGE and VXUS share 42 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7969 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IGE or VXUS?
IGE yields 2.11% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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