ICF vs VXUS
ICF vs VXUS
iShares Select US REIT 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 | ICF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.46% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.58% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.05% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.45% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.54% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 29, 2001 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ICF vs VXUS Performance
iShares Select US REIT ETF (ICF) 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 ICF returned +16.05% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, ICF is up 15.58% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, ICF compounded at +10.45% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.54% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, ICF has the edge at +5.51% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ICF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.3% 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 -78.8% for ICF 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ICF charges 0.32% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $5 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ICF currently yields 2.46% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ICF or VXUS?
ICF has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ICF or VXUS?
Over the past year ICF returned +16.05% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ICF annualized +5.51% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ICF or VXUS?
ICF has been the more volatile fund at 21.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ICF -78.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ICF and VXUS?
ICF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ICF and VXUS?
ICF and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7890 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ICF or VXUS?
ICF yields 2.46% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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