IBTO vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIBTOVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.07%0.05%
AUM$476M$156.5B
Dividend Yield4.13%2.60%
Holdings128,747
YTD Return-1.28%+14.07%
1Y Return+0.92%+27.24%
3Y Return (annualized)+3.94%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.14%
Volatility (annualized)6.6%15.1%
Max Drawdown-8.4%-39.9%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJun 27, 2023Jan 26, 2011

IBTO vs VXUS Performance

iShares iBonds Dec 2033 Term Treasury ETF (IBTO) 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 IBTO returned +0.92% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, IBTO is down 1.28% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.

Over three years, IBTO compounded at +3.94% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +3.08%. 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 6.6% for IBTO. 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 -8.4% for IBTO 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

IBTO charges 0.07% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IBTO currently yields 4.13% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

IBTO and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7866 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, IBTO or VXUS?

IBTO has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.

Which performed better, IBTO or VXUS?

Over the past year IBTO returned +0.92% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IBTO annualized +3.08% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IBTO or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.6% for IBTO. Worst drawdown: IBTO -8.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both IBTO and VXUS?

IBTO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between IBTO and VXUS?

IBTO and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7866 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, IBTO or VXUS?

IBTO yields 4.13% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so IBTO currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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