IWF vs VXUS
IWF vs VXUS
iShares Russell 1000 Growth 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 | IWF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $120.5B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.35% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 372 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +5.83% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.10% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.28% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.66% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 22, 2000 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IWF vs VXUS Performance
iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) 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 IWF returned +13.10% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IWF is up 5.83% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, IWF compounded at +22.28% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.66% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IWF has the edge at +7.46% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IWF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% compared with 15.1% 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 -66.8% for IWF 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWF charges 0.18% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $5 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWF currently yields 0.35% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IWF and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 8227 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IWF or VXUS?
IWF has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWF or VXUS?
Over the past year IWF returned +13.10% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IWF annualized +7.46% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWF or VXUS?
IWF has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IWF -66.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IWF and VXUS?
IWF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IWF and VXUS?
IWF and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8227 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWF or VXUS?
IWF yields 0.35% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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