IAUM vs VXUS
iShares Gold Trust Micro vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IAUM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IAUM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $6.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.30% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.88% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.81% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.40% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 15, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IAUM vs VXUS Performance
iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM) 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 IAUM returned +30.88% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, IAUM is up 1.30% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, IAUM compounded at +31.81% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +20.40% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, IAUM has the edge at +19.46% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IAUM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -26.3% for IAUM 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IAUM charges 0.09% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $5 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IAUM currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IAUM or VXUS?
IAUM has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IAUM or VXUS?
Over the past year IAUM returned +30.88% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so IAUM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), IAUM annualized +19.46% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IAUM or VXUS?
IAUM has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IAUM -26.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IAUM and VXUS?
IAUM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IAUM or VXUS?
IAUM yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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