IAK vs VXUS
IAK vs VXUS
iShares US Insurance 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 | IAK | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $514M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.54% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 61 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.68% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.97% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.65% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.26% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IAK vs VXUS Performance
iShares US Insurance ETF (IAK) 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 IAK returned +17.97% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IAK is up 11.68% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, IAK compounded at +19.65% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +15.26% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IAK has the edge at +6.02% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IAK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% 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 -78.0% for IAK 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IAK 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, IAK currently yields 2.54% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IAK and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7866 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, IAK or VXUS?
IAK 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, IAK or VXUS?
Over the past year IAK returned +17.97% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IAK annualized +6.02% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IAK or VXUS?
IAK has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IAK -78.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IAK and VXUS?
IAK and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IAK and VXUS?
IAK and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7866 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IAK or VXUS?
IAK yields 2.54% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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