IMCG vs VXUS
IMCG vs VXUS
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth 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 | IMCG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $4.0B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.61% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 265 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +18.13% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.24% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.83% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.11% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2004 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IMCG vs VXUS Performance
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IMCG) 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 IMCG returned +17.24% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, IMCG is up 18.13% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, IMCG compounded at +15.83% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.11% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IMCG has the edge at +11.07% annualized vs +4.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IMCG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -59.0% for IMCG 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IMCG charges 0.06% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $5 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IMCG currently yields 0.61% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IMCG and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 8120 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IMCG | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRM | 0.32% | 0.05% | 0.27% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IMCG or VXUS?
IMCG has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IMCG or VXUS?
Over the past year IMCG returned +17.24% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IMCG annualized +11.07% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IMCG or VXUS?
IMCG has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IMCG -59.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IMCG and VXUS?
IMCG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IMCG and VXUS?
IMCG and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8120 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IMCG or VXUS?
IMCG yields 0.61% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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