IYW vs VXUS
IYW vs VXUS
iShares US Technology ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IYW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IYW | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $23.3B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.10% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 153 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +25.79% | +13.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.93% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.31% | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.44% | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -81.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IYW vs VXUS Performance
iShares US Technology ETF (IYW) 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 IYW returned +39.93% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, IYW is up 25.79% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.
Over three years, IYW compounded at +32.31% per year against +18.64% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +19.44% and +9.00% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IYW has the edge at +8.89% annualized vs +4.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IYW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.6% 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 -81.9% for IYW 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IYW 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, IYW currently yields 0.10% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IYW and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 8009 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IYW | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 1.24% | 0.00% | 1.24% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IYW or VXUS?
IYW 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, IYW or VXUS?
Over the past year IYW returned +39.93% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so IYW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IYW annualized +8.89% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IYW or VXUS?
IYW has been the more volatile fund at 24.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IYW -81.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IYW and VXUS?
IYW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IYW and VXUS?
IYW and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8009 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IYW or VXUS?
IYW yields 0.10% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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