ILDR vs VXUS
ILDR vs VXUS
First Trust Innovation Leaders ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ILDR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ILDR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $294M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 77 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +18.02% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.38% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.89% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.93% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ILDR vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Innovation Leaders ETF (ILDR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ILDR returned +30.38% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, ILDR is up 18.02% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, ILDR compounded at +29.89% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.93% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, ILDR has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ILDR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.5% 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 -44.6% for ILDR 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ILDR charges 0.75% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $5 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ILDR currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ILDR and VXUS share 4 holdings out of 7936 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 ILDR | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 2.59% | 0.00% | 2.59% |
| SHOP:CA | 1.72% | 0.33% | 1.39% |
| ADYEN:AS | 0.61% | 0.07% | 0.54% |
| MDA:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 4 holdings ILDR 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, ILDR or VXUS?
ILDR has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ILDR or VXUS?
Over the past year ILDR returned +30.38% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so ILDR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ILDR annualized +13.51% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ILDR or VXUS?
ILDR has been the more volatile fund at 23.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ILDR -44.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ILDR and VXUS?
ILDR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ILDR and VXUS?
ILDR and VXUS share 4 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7936 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ILDR or VXUS?
ILDR yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.