ICVT vs VXUS
iShares Convertible Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, ICVT or VXUS?
Convertibles against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ICVT led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ICVT | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $7.8B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.39% | 2.59% |
| Holdings | 377 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +14.00% | +15.57%Best |
| 1Y Return | +21.57% | +27.46%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.58% | +20.30%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.97% | +8.96%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6%Best | 14.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -33.3%Best | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $12,745 | $15,358Best |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Convertible | Equity |
| Style | Convertibles | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 2, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 4, 2015 to Sep 3, 2026 (11.2 years).
ICVT vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 11.2 years both funds cover.
ICVT vs VXUS Performance
iShares Convertible Bond ETF (ICVT) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ICVT returned +21.57% while VXUS returned +27.46%. Year to date, ICVT is up 14.00% versus a gain of 15.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, ICVT compounded at +16.58% per year against +20.30% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.97% and +8.96% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, ICVT has the edge at +10.94% annualized vs +6.36%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% compared with 14.6% for ICVT. 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 -33.3% for ICVT and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ICVT charges 0.20% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $5 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ICVT currently yields 1.39% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 128 holdings in ICVT and 8,094 in VXUS, totalling 36.8% and 87.7% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 128 positions we hold weights for in ICVT and 8,094 in VXUS, against full books of 377 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of ICVT and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ICVT or VXUS?
ICVT has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $15 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, ICVT or VXUS?
Over the past year ICVT returned +21.57% vs +27.46% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), ICVT annualized +10.94% vs +6.36% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, ICVT or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 14.6% for ICVT. Worst drawdown: ICVT -33.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ICVT and VXUS?
ICVT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, ICVT or VXUS?
ICVT yields 1.39% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than ICVT?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ICVT led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.