IWS vs VXUS
IWS vs VXUS
iShares Russell Mid-cap Value 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 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IWS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.23% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $15.6B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.32% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 724 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +20.79% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.07% | +28.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.69% | +18.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.12% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 17, 2001 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IWS vs VXUS Performance
iShares Russell Mid-cap Value ETF (IWS) 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 IWS returned +28.07% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, IWS is up 20.79% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, IWS compounded at +16.69% per year against +18.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.12% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IWS has the edge at +8.29% annualized vs +4.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -63.9% for IWS 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
IWS 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, IWS currently yields 1.32% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IWS and VXUS share 14 holdings out of 8544 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IWS | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HBAN | 0.35% | 0.05% | 0.30% |
| IRM | 0.33% | 0.05% | 0.28% |
| KR | 0.32% | 0.00% | 0.32% |
| RBA:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| QSR:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GFL:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EGP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| QGEN:AS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IWS 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, IWS or VXUS?
IWS 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, IWS or VXUS?
Over the past year IWS returned +28.07% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IWS annualized +8.29% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWS or VXUS?
IWS has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IWS -63.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IWS and VXUS?
IWS 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 IWS and VXUS?
IWS and VXUS share 14 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8544 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWS or VXUS?
IWS yields 1.32% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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