ICVT vs VXUS
ICVT vs VXUS
iShares Convertible Bond 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 | ICVT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $7.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.31% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 375 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.68% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.29% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.67% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.87% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Convertible | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 2, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ICVT vs VXUS Performance
iShares Convertible Bond ETF (ICVT) 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 ICVT returned +26.29% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, ICVT is up 15.68% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, ICVT compounded at +16.67% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.87% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, ICVT has the edge at +11.16% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 14.7% 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 worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.75. 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 1.31% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ICVT and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7968 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, ICVT or VXUS?
ICVT has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ICVT or VXUS?
Over the past year ICVT returned +26.29% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), ICVT annualized +11.16% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ICVT or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.7% 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 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ICVT and VXUS?
ICVT and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7968 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ICVT or VXUS?
ICVT yields 1.31% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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