ITOT vs VXUS
ITOT vs VXUS
iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
ITOT has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ITOT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $93.5B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 2,502 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.22% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.76% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.96% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.79% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 20, 2004 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ITOT vs VXUS Performance
iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF (ITOT) 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 ITOT returned +19.76% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, ITOT is up 10.22% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, ITOT compounded at +18.96% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.79% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, ITOT has the edge at +9.06% annualized vs +4.66%. 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 15.0% for ITOT. 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 -56.3% for ITOT 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ITOT charges 0.03% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ITOT currently yields 1.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ITOT and VXUS share 17 holdings out of 9471 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ITOT | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.33% | 0.00% | 0.33% |
| 2345:TW | 0.11% | 0.05% | 0.06% |
| AMRZ:SM | 0.04% | 0.07% | 0.03% |
| IRM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HBAN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RBA:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FBK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings ITOT 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, ITOT or VXUS?
ITOT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXUS charges 0.05%. ITOT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ITOT or VXUS?
Over the past year ITOT returned +19.76% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ITOT annualized +9.06% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ITOT or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 15.0% for ITOT. Worst drawdown: ITOT -56.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ITOT and VXUS?
ITOT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ITOT and VXUS?
ITOT and VXUS share 17 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9471 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ITOT or VXUS?
ITOT yields 1.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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