IWP vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIWPVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.23%0.05%
AUM$19.8B$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.34%2.60%
Holdings2718,747
YTD Return-0.69%+11.13%
1Y Return-2.95%+27.13%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.94%+17.24%
5Y Return (annualized)+4.23%+8.71%
Volatility (annualized)18.5%15.1%
Max Drawdown-57.3%-39.9%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJul 17, 2001Jan 26, 2011

IWP vs VXUS Performance

iShares Russell Midcap Growth ETF (IWP) 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 IWP returned -2.95% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, IWP is down 0.69% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.

Over three years, IWP compounded at +11.94% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.23% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IWP has the edge at +8.46% annualized vs +4.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

IWP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -57.3% for IWP 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

IWP charges 0.23% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $23 vs $5 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWP currently yields 0.34% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

IWP and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 8126 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in IWPWeight in VXUSDifference
QSR:CA0.40%0.05%0.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, IWP or VXUS?

IWP has an expense ratio of 0.23% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.

Which performed better, IWP or VXUS?

Over the past year IWP returned -2.95% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IWP annualized +8.46% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IWP or VXUS?

IWP has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IWP -57.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both IWP and VXUS?

IWP 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 IWP and VXUS?

IWP and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8126 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, IWP or VXUS?

IWP yields 0.34% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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