IXUS vs VTI
IXUS vs VTI
iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. IXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IXUS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $57.6B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.94% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 4,623 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.71% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.52% | +23.21% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.68% | +20.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.01% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
IXUS vs VTI Performance
iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IXUS returned +27.52% while VTI returned +23.21%. Year to date, IXUS is up 13.71% versus a gain of 13.39% for VTI.
Over three years, IXUS compounded at +18.68% per year against +20.65% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.01% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs +6.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.3% for IXUS. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IXUS and VTI share 8 holdings out of 4118 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 IXUS | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROP | 0.67% | 0.05% | 0.62% |
| MRK | 0.05% | 0.44% | 0.39% |
| DG | 0.16% | 0.03% | 0.13% |
| SUNB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RBA:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MTX:SG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FBK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 8 holdings IXUS shares with VTI 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, IXUS or VTI?
IXUS has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IXUS or VTI?
Over the past year IXUS returned +27.52% vs +23.21% for VTI, so IXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), IXUS annualized +6.27% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IXUS or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.3% for IXUS. Worst drawdown: IXUS -39.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IXUS and VTI?
IXUS and VTI 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 VTI?
IXUS and VTI share 8 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4118 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IXUS or VTI?
IXUS yields 2.94% while VTI yields 1.07%, so IXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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