IUSB vs VXUS
IUSB vs VXUS
iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. IUSB offers more diversification with 9319 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IUSB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $43.1B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.20% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 17,578 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.45% | +11.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.98% | +26.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.40% | +18.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.09% | +8.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.8% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 10, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IUSB vs VXUS Performance
iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF (IUSB) 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 IUSB returned +1.98% while VXUS returned +26.65%. Year to date, IUSB is down 0.45% versus a gain of 11.69% for VXUS.
Over three years, IUSB compounded at +4.40% per year against +18.15% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.09% and +8.66% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.69% annualized vs +0.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 4.8% for IUSB. 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 -50.2% for IUSB 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IUSB 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, IUSB currently yields 4.20% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IUSB and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 17173 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 IUSB | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NST:AU | 0.00% | 0.07% | 0.07% |
| ARGENT 4.125 07/09/3 | 0.05% | 0.00% | 0.05% |
| ARGENT 5 01/09/38 | 0.03% | 0.00% | 0.03% |
| ARGENT 3.5 07/09/41 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MIN:AU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LOGG3:BV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 6 holdings IUSB 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, IUSB or VXUS?
IUSB 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, IUSB or VXUS?
Over the past year IUSB returned +1.98% vs +26.65% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IUSB annualized +0.65% vs +4.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IUSB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 4.8% for IUSB. Worst drawdown: IUSB -50.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IUSB and VXUS?
IUSB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IUSB and VXUS?
IUSB and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 17173 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IUSB or VXUS?
IUSB yields 4.20% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so IUSB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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