IDEC 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

MetricIDECVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.85%0.05%
AUM$42M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.60%
Holdings68,747
YTD Return+8.76%+14.57%
1Y Return+16.75%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)7.0%15.1%
Max Drawdown-8.5%-39.9%
Fund FamilyInnovator ETFs TrustVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionDec 1, 2023Jan 26, 2011

IDEC vs VXUS Performance

Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - December (IDEC) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IDEC returned +16.75% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IDEC is up 8.76% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 7.0% for IDEC. 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 -8.5% for IDEC 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

IDEC charges 0.85% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $5 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IDEC currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, IDEC or VXUS?

IDEC has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.

Which performed better, IDEC or VXUS?

Over the past year IDEC returned +16.75% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IDEC annualized +13.45% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IDEC or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 7.0% for IDEC. Worst drawdown: IDEC -8.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both IDEC and VXUS?

IDEC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

Which pays a higher dividend, IDEC or VXUS?

IDEC yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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