IYF vs VXUS
IYF vs VXUS
iShares US Financials ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IYF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $4.6B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.50% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 147 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +6.57% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.98% | +28.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.79% | +18.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.63% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 22, 2000 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IYF vs VXUS Performance
iShares US Financials ETF (IYF) 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 IYF returned +14.98% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, IYF is up 6.57% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, IYF compounded at +21.79% per year against +18.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.63% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IYF has the edge at +5.50% annualized vs +4.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IYF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -80.2% for IYF 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IYF charges 0.38% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $5 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IYF currently yields 1.50% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IYF and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 8000 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, IYF or VXUS?
IYF has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IYF or VXUS?
Over the past year IYF returned +14.98% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IYF annualized +5.50% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IYF or VXUS?
IYF has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IYF -80.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IYF and VXUS?
IYF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IYF and VXUS?
IYF and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8000 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IYF or VXUS?
IYF yields 1.50% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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