EIRL vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Ireland 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EIRL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $79M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.36% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.15% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.83% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.48% | +20.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.51% | +9.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 5, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EIRL vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Ireland ETF (EIRL) 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 EIRL returned +23.83% while VXUS returned +24.30%. Year to date, EIRL is up 13.15% versus a gain of 13.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, EIRL compounded at +16.48% per year against +20.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.51% and +9.37% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, EIRL has the edge at +9.33% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EIRL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.9% 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 -48.3% for EIRL 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EIRL charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EIRL currently yields 2.36% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EIRL and VXUS share 8 holdings out of 7887 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, EIRL or VXUS?
EIRL has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EIRL or VXUS?
Over the past year EIRL returned +23.83% vs +24.30% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EIRL annualized +9.33% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EIRL or VXUS?
EIRL has been the more volatile fund at 19.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EIRL -48.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EIRL and VXUS?
EIRL and VXUS 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 EIRL and VXUS?
EIRL and VXUS share 8 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7887 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EIRL or VXUS?
EIRL yields 2.36% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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