HIMU vs VXUS
HIMU vs VXUS
iShares High Yield Muni Active 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HIMU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.42% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.08% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 909 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.10% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.03% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 7, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
HIMU vs VXUS Performance
iShares High Yield Muni Active ETF (HIMU) 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 HIMU returned +4.03% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, HIMU is down 0.10% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 5.9% for HIMU. 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 -8.0% for HIMU 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HIMU charges 0.42% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $42 vs $5 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HIMU currently yields 5.08% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
HIMU and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8077 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HIMU or VXUS?
HIMU has an expense ratio of 0.42% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HIMU or VXUS?
Over the past year HIMU returned +4.03% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), HIMU annualized +0.43% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HIMU or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.9% for HIMU. Worst drawdown: HIMU -8.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both HIMU and VXUS?
HIMU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HIMU and VXUS?
HIMU and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8077 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HIMU or VXUS?
HIMU yields 5.08% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so HIMU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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