IDEF vs VXUS
iShares Defense Industrials Active 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 | IDEF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $4.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 131 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.20% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.98% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 19, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IDEF vs VXUS Performance
iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF) 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 IDEF returned +21.98% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, IDEF is up 11.20% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IDEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.8% 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 -15.8% for IDEF 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
IDEF charges 0.55% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $5 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IDEF currently yields 0.34% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IDEF and VXUS share 36 holdings out of 7941 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IDEF or VXUS?
IDEF has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IDEF or VXUS?
Over the past year IDEF returned +21.98% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IDEF annualized +32.14% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IDEF or VXUS?
IDEF has been the more volatile fund at 21.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IDEF -15.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IDEF and VXUS?
IDEF 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 IDEF and VXUS?
IDEF and VXUS share 36 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7941 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IDEF or VXUS?
IDEF yields 0.34% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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