ICLN vs VXUS
iShares Global Clean Energy ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ICLN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ICLN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.90% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 152 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.95% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.10% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.94% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.72% | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ICLN vs VXUS Performance
iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) 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 ICLN returned +35.10% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, ICLN is up 7.95% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, ICLN compounded at +4.94% per year against +19.79% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -2.72% and +9.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.88% annualized vs -5.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ICLN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.9% 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 -88.3% for ICLN 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ICLN charges 0.39% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $5 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ICLN currently yields 0.90% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ICLN and VXUS share 63 holdings out of 7903 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ICLN or VXUS?
ICLN has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ICLN or VXUS?
Over the past year ICLN returned +35.10% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so ICLN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ICLN annualized -5.21% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ICLN or VXUS?
ICLN has been the more volatile fund at 30.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ICLN -88.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ICLN and VXUS?
ICLN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ICLN and VXUS?
ICLN and VXUS share 63 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7903 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ICLN or VXUS?
ICLN yields 0.90% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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