IWL vs VXUS
IWL vs VXUS
iShares Russell Top 200 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 | IWL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.85% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 205 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.77% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.11% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.41% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.88% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 22, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IWL vs VXUS Performance
iShares Russell Top 200 ETF (IWL) 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 IWL returned +23.11% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IWL is up 12.77% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, IWL compounded at +22.41% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.88% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IWL has the edge at +13.28% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 14.2% for IWL. 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 -32.7% for IWL 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWL charges 0.15% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $5 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWL currently yields 0.85% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IWL and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 8060 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IWL or VXUS?
IWL has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWL or VXUS?
Over the past year IWL returned +23.11% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IWL annualized +13.28% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.2% for IWL. Worst drawdown: IWL -32.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IWL and VXUS?
IWL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IWL and VXUS?
IWL and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8060 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWL or VXUS?
IWL yields 0.85% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.