IMTM vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIMTMVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.30%0.05%
AUM$4.1B$156.5B
Dividend Yield4.36%2.60%
Holdings3268,747
YTD Return+10.43%+13.65%
1Y Return+22.34%+28.53%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.02%+18.64%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.87%+9.00%
Volatility (annualized)13.8%15.1%
Max Drawdown-30.7%-39.9%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJan 13, 2015Jan 26, 2011

IMTM vs VXUS Performance

iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF (IMTM) 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 IMTM returned +22.34% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, IMTM is up 10.43% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.

Over three years, IMTM compounded at +21.02% per year against +18.64% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.87% and +9.00% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, IMTM has the edge at +8.06% annualized vs +4.81%. 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 13.8% for IMTM. 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 -30.7% for IMTM 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

IMTM 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, IMTM currently yields 4.36% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

18.9%overlap

IMTM and VXUS share 190 holdings out of 7967 unique holdings combined, representing a 18.9% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in IMTMWeight in VXUSDifference
ASML:AS5.76%1.29%4.47%
HSBA:LN2.71%0.72%1.99%
RY:CA2.39%0.53%1.86%
NOVN:SMProProPro
285A:JPProProPro
AZN:LNProProPro
SHELProProPro
FP:PAProProPro
IBE:MAProProPro
8035:JPProProPro
See all 10 holdings IMTM 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, IMTM or VXUS?

IMTM 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, IMTM or VXUS?

Over the past year IMTM returned +22.34% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IMTM annualized +8.06% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IMTM or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.8% for IMTM. Worst drawdown: IMTM -30.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both IMTM and VXUS?

IMTM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

What is the holdings overlap between IMTM and VXUS?

IMTM and VXUS share 190 common holdings with a 18.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7967 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, IMTM or VXUS?

IMTM yields 4.36% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so IMTM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

See inside every ETF you own
$29/moCancel anytime.
Try FundXLS →