IBDQ vs VXUS
iShares iBonds Dec 2025 Term Corporate 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 | IBDQ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.10% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.75% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 21 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +3.79% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.01% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.57% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.36% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 11, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IBDQ vs VXUS Performance
iShares iBonds Dec 2025 Term Corporate ETF (IBDQ) 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 IBDQ returned +4.01% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, IBDQ is up 3.79% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, IBDQ compounded at +4.57% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.36% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +3.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 4.1% for IBDQ. 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 -15.2% for IBDQ 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
IBDQ charges 0.10% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $10 vs $5 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IBDQ currently yields 3.75% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IBDQ and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7881 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, IBDQ or VXUS?
IBDQ has an expense ratio of 0.10% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IBDQ or VXUS?
Over the past year IBDQ returned +4.01% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), IBDQ annualized +3.29% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IBDQ or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.1% for IBDQ. Worst drawdown: IBDQ -15.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IBDQ and VXUS?
IBDQ 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 IBDQ and VXUS?
IBDQ and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7881 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IBDQ or VXUS?
IBDQ yields 3.75% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so IBDQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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