IMTB vs VXUS
IMTB vs VXUS
iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond 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 | IMTB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $276M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.50% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 3,444 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.60% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.62% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.70% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.15% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 1, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IMTB vs VXUS Performance
iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF (IMTB) 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 IMTB returned +3.62% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, IMTB is down 0.60% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, IMTB compounded at +4.70% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.15% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.66% annualized vs +0.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 5.3% for IMTB. 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 -18.3% for IMTB 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IMTB 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, IMTB currently yields 4.50% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IMTB and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 9016 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IMTB | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARGENT 4.125 07/09/3 | 0.13% | 0.00% | 0.13% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IMTB or VXUS?
IMTB 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, IMTB or VXUS?
Over the past year IMTB returned +3.62% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), IMTB annualized +0.58% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IMTB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.3% for IMTB. Worst drawdown: IMTB -18.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IMTB and VXUS?
IMTB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IMTB and VXUS?
IMTB and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9016 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IMTB or VXUS?
IMTB yields 4.50% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so IMTB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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