IBB vs VXUS
iShares Biotechnology ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IBB delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IBB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.44% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $9.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.22% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 253 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +17.82% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +45.39% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.02% | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.53% | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 5, 2001 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IBB vs VXUS Performance
iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) 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 IBB returned +45.39% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, IBB is up 17.82% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Over three years, IBB compounded at +16.02% per year against +19.85% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.53% and +9.23% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IBB has the edge at +7.27% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IBB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -62.9% for IBB 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IBB charges 0.44% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $44 vs $5 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IBB currently yields 0.22% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IBB and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 8097 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, IBB or VXUS?
IBB has an expense ratio of 0.44% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IBB or VXUS?
Over the past year IBB returned +45.39% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so IBB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IBB annualized +7.27% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IBB or VXUS?
IBB has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IBB -62.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IBB and VXUS?
IBB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IBB and VXUS?
IBB and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8097 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IBB or VXUS?
IBB yields 0.22% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.