IDEV vs VXUS
iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
IDEV has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IDEV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $32.7B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.15% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 2,344 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.83% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.03% | +26.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.62% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.44% | +9.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IDEV vs VXUS Performance
iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF (IDEV) 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 IDEV returned +23.03% while VXUS returned +26.36%. Year to date, IDEV is up 13.83% versus a gain of 15.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, IDEV compounded at +19.62% per year against +20.98% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.44% and +9.68% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, IDEV has the edge at +8.46% annualized vs +4.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IDEV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -38.4% for IDEV 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IDEV charges 0.04% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $5 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IDEV currently yields 3.15% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IDEV and VXUS share 871 holdings out of 8325 unique holdings combined, representing a 35.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IDEV or VXUS?
IDEV has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VXUS charges 0.05%. IDEV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IDEV or VXUS?
Over the past year IDEV returned +23.03% vs +26.36% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), IDEV annualized +8.46% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IDEV or VXUS?
IDEV has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IDEV -38.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IDEV and VXUS?
IDEV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IDEV and VXUS?
IDEV and VXUS share 871 common holdings with a 35.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8325 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IDEV or VXUS?
IDEV yields 3.15% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so IDEV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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