IQLT vs VXUS
IQLT vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IQLT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $13.6B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.41% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 325 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.86% | +13.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.29% | +27.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.68% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.90% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 13, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IQLT vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) 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 IQLT returned +24.29% while VXUS returned +27.42%. Year to date, IQLT is up 12.86% versus a gain of 13.40% for VXUS.
Over three years, IQLT compounded at +15.68% per year against +18.54% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.90% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, IQLT has the edge at +7.42% annualized vs +4.79%. 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 14.8% for IQLT. 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 -32.2% for IQLT 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IQLT 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, IQLT currently yields 2.41% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IQLT and VXUS share 174 holdings out of 7982 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IQLT | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASML:AS | 6.16% | 1.29% | 4.87% |
| AZN:LN | 1.87% | 0.71% | 1.16% |
| NESN:SM | 1.89% | 0.62% | 1.27% |
| NOVN:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABBN:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ZURN:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SHEL:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RR:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SU:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| IBE:MA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IQLT 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, IQLT or VXUS?
IQLT 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, IQLT or VXUS?
Over the past year IQLT returned +24.29% vs +27.42% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IQLT annualized +7.42% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IQLT or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.8% for IQLT. Worst drawdown: IQLT -32.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IQLT and VXUS?
IQLT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 IQLT and VXUS?
IQLT and VXUS share 174 common holdings with a 15.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7982 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IQLT or VXUS?
IQLT yields 2.41% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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