IALT vs VXUS
iShares Systematic Alternatives Active ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IALT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.99% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $5.5B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.40% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 2,311 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +14.49% | +15.23% | |
| 1Y Return | - | +26.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IALT vs VXUS Performance
iShares Systematic Alternatives Active ETF (IALT) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Year to date, IALT is up 14.49% versus a gain of 15.23% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -2.3% for IALT and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IALT charges 0.99% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $99 vs $5 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IALT currently yields 0.40% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IALT and VXUS share 494 holdings out of 8960 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IALT or VXUS?
IALT has an expense ratio of 0.99% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
What is the holdings overlap between IALT and VXUS?
IALT and VXUS share 494 common holdings with a 13.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8960 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IALT or VXUS?
IALT yields 0.40% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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