IWX vs VXUS
IWX vs VXUS
iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IWX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IWX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.9B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.46% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 156 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +21.13% | +11.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.85% | +26.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.93% | +18.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.71% | +8.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.9% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 22, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IWX vs VXUS Performance
iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF (IWX) 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 IWX returned +34.85% while VXUS returned +26.65%. Year to date, IWX is up 21.13% versus a gain of 11.69% for VXUS.
Over three years, IWX compounded at +19.93% per year against +18.15% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.71% and +8.66% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IWX has the edge at +9.96% annualized vs +4.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 13.9% for IWX. 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 -35.8% for IWX 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
IWX 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, IWX currently yields 1.46% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IWX and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 8010 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, IWX or VXUS?
IWX 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, IWX or VXUS?
Over the past year IWX returned +34.85% vs +26.65% for VXUS, so IWX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IWX annualized +9.96% vs +4.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWX or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 13.9% for IWX. Worst drawdown: IWX -35.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IWX and VXUS?
IWX 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 IWX and VXUS?
IWX and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8010 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWX or VXUS?
IWX yields 1.46% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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