ISCV vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: ISCVMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricISCVVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.06%0.05%
AUM$692M$156.5B
Dividend Yield1.85%2.60%
Holdings1,0578,747
YTD Return+17.58%+11.69%
1Y Return+32.08%+26.65%
3Y Return (annualized)+14.83%+18.15%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.53%+8.66%
Volatility (annualized)20.8%15.0%
Max Drawdown-64.8%-39.9%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 28, 2004Jan 26, 2011

ISCV vs VXUS Performance

iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF (ISCV) 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 ISCV returned +32.08% while VXUS returned +26.65%. Year to date, ISCV is up 17.58% versus a gain of 11.69% for VXUS.

Over three years, ISCV compounded at +14.83% per year against +18.15% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.53% and +8.66% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, ISCV has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs +4.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

ISCV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.8% compared with 15.0% 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 -64.8% for ISCV 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ISCV 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, ISCV currently yields 1.85% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

ISCV and VXUS share 7 holdings out of 8865 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in ISCVWeight in VXUSDifference
AM0.15%0.02%0.13%
GLXY0.15%0.01%0.14%
SIG:LN0.10%0.02%0.08%
FBKProProPro
SCLProProPro
CASHProProPro
DCHProProPro
See all 7 holdings ISCV shares with VXUS
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, ISCV or VXUS?

ISCV 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, ISCV or VXUS?

Over the past year ISCV returned +32.08% vs +26.65% for VXUS, so ISCV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ISCV annualized +7.06% vs +4.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ISCV or VXUS?

ISCV has been the more volatile fund at 20.8% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ISCV -64.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both ISCV and VXUS?

ISCV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between ISCV and VXUS?

ISCV and VXUS share 7 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8865 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, ISCV or VXUS?

ISCV yields 1.85% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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