IXUS vs VYM
IXUS vs VYM
iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. IXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. IXUS offers more diversification with 1343 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IXUS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $57.6B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.94% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 4,623 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +13.92% | +15.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.78% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.79% | +18.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.00% | +12.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IXUS vs VYM Performance
iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IXUS returned +28.78% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, IXUS is up 13.92% versus a gain of 15.57% for VYM.
Over three years, IXUS compounded at +18.79% per year against +18.02% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.00% and +12.71% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +6.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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
IXUS charges 0.07% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $4 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IXUS currently yields 2.94% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IXUS and VYM share 7 holdings out of 1894 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IXUS | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRK | 0.05% | 1.37% | 1.32% |
| 2345:TW | 0.10% | 0.57% | 0.47% |
| DG | 0.16% | 0.15% | 0.01% |
| BAP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SCCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 7 holdings IXUS shares with VYM 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 VYM?
IXUS has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IXUS or VYM?
Over the past year IXUS returned +28.78% vs +25.99% for VYM, so IXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), IXUS annualized +6.29% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IXUS or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.3% for IXUS. Worst drawdown: IXUS -39.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IXUS and VYM?
IXUS and VYM 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 IXUS and VYM?
IXUS and VYM share 7 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1894 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IXUS or VYM?
IXUS yields 2.94% while VYM yields 2.86%, so IXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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