IDLV vs VXUS
Invesco S&P International Developed Low Volatility 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 | IDLV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $341M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.03% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 215 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +8.46% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.87% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.94% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.61% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 13, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IDLV vs VXUS Performance
Invesco S&P International Developed Low Volatility ETF (IDLV) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IDLV returned +13.87% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, IDLV is up 8.46% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, IDLV compounded at +13.94% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.61% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +4.01%. 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 12.2% for IDLV. 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 -36.4% for IDLV 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IDLV charges 0.25% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $5 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IDLV currently yields 5.03% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IDLV and VXUS share 159 holdings out of 7903 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IDLV or VXUS?
IDLV has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IDLV or VXUS?
Over the past year IDLV returned +13.87% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), IDLV annualized +4.01% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IDLV or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.2% for IDLV. Worst drawdown: IDLV -36.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IDLV and VXUS?
IDLV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IDLV and VXUS?
IDLV and VXUS share 159 common holdings with a 10.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7903 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IDLV or VXUS?
IDLV yields 5.03% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so IDLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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