IXUS vs VOO
IXUS vs VOO
iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. IXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. IXUS offers more diversification with 1343 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IXUS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $57.6B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.94% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 4,623 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.92% | +13.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.78% | +23.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.79% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.00% | +13.52% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2012 | Sep 7, 2010 |
IXUS vs VOO Performance
iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IXUS returned +28.78% while VOO returned +23.65%. Year to date, IXUS is up 13.92% versus a gain of 13.53% for VOO.
Over three years, IXUS compounded at +18.79% per year against +21.27% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.00% and +13.52% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +6.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.3% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -39.9% for IXUS and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IXUS charges 0.07% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $3 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IXUS currently yields 2.94% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
IXUS and VOO share 3 holdings out of 1845 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, IXUS or VOO?
IXUS has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IXUS or VOO?
Over the past year IXUS returned +28.78% vs +23.65% for VOO, so IXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), IXUS annualized +6.29% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IXUS or VOO?
IXUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: IXUS -39.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both IXUS and VOO?
IXUS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IXUS and VOO?
IXUS and VOO share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1845 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IXUS or VOO?
IXUS yields 2.94% while VOO yields 1.09%, so IXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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