IXUS vs VXUS
IXUS vs VXUS
iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IXUS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $57.6B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.94% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 4,623 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.55% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.43% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.67% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IXUS vs VXUS Performance
iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) 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 IXUS returned +27.27% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, IXUS is up 11.55% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, IXUS compounded at +17.43% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.67% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, IXUS has the edge at +6.13% annualized vs +4.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -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 1.00. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IXUS charges 0.07% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IXUS currently yields 2.94% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IXUS and VXUS share 950 holdings out of 8253 unique holdings combined, representing a 49.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IXUS | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2330:TW | 4.38% | 3.41% | 0.97% |
| 000660:KR | 1.96% | 0.90% | 1.06% |
| HSBA:LN | 0.78% | 0.72% | 0.06% |
| NOVN:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AZN:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NESN:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 9988:HK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RY:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SHEL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CBA:AU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IXUS 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, IXUS or VXUS?
IXUS has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IXUS or VXUS?
Over the past year IXUS returned +27.27% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so IXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), IXUS annualized +6.13% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IXUS or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.3% for IXUS. Worst drawdown: IXUS -39.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IXUS and VXUS?
IXUS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 1.00, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IXUS and VXUS?
IXUS and VXUS share 950 common holdings with a 49.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8253 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IXUS or VXUS?
IXUS yields 2.94% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so IXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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