IBRN vs VXUS
iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IBRN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IBRN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $6M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.82% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 80 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +23.48% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +70.78% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.98% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 24, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IBRN vs VXUS Performance
iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF (IBRN) 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 IBRN returned +70.78% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, IBRN is up 23.48% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, IBRN compounded at +18.98% per year against +19.53% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, IBRN has the edge at +12.97% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IBRN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -35.4% for IBRN 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IBRN charges 0.47% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $5 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IBRN currently yields 0.82% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IBRN and VXUS share 4 holdings out of 7927 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, IBRN or VXUS?
IBRN has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IBRN or VXUS?
Over the past year IBRN returned +70.78% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so IBRN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), IBRN annualized +12.97% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IBRN or VXUS?
IBRN has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IBRN -35.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IBRN and VXUS?
IBRN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IBRN and VXUS?
IBRN and VXUS share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7927 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IBRN or VXUS?
IBRN yields 0.82% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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