IWV vs VXUS
IWV vs VXUS
iShares Russell 3000 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 | IWV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $19.5B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.87% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 2,596 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.14% | +13.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.77% | +27.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.39% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.07% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 22, 2000 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IWV vs VXUS Performance
iShares Russell 3000 ETF (IWV) 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 IWV returned +22.77% while VXUS returned +27.42%. Year to date, IWV is up 13.14% versus a gain of 13.40% for VXUS.
Over three years, IWV compounded at +20.39% per year against +18.54% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.07% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IWV has the edge at +7.22% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IWV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% 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 -56.7% for IWV 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
IWV charges 0.20% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $5 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWV currently yields 0.87% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IWV and VXUS share 21 holdings out of 9510 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IWV | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.34% | 0.00% | 0.34% |
| IRM | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.00% |
| HBAN | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.00% |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| QSR:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RBA:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAM:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MTX:SG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IWV 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, IWV or VXUS?
IWV has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWV or VXUS?
Over the past year IWV returned +22.77% vs +27.42% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IWV annualized +7.22% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWV or VXUS?
IWV has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IWV -56.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IWV and VXUS?
IWV 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 IWV and VXUS?
IWV and VXUS share 21 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9510 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWV or VXUS?
IWV yields 0.87% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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