IDU vs VXUS
iShares US Utilities 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 | IDU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.19% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 49 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.91% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.68% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.62% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.37% | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 12, 2000 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IDU vs VXUS Performance
iShares US Utilities ETF (IDU) 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 IDU returned +3.68% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, IDU is up 2.91% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, IDU compounded at +14.62% per year against +19.79% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.37% and +9.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IDU has the edge at +5.15% annualized vs +4.88%. 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 15.0% for IDU. 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 -56.4% for IDU 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IDU charges 0.38% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $5 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IDU currently yields 2.19% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IDU and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 7904 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, IDU or VXUS?
IDU has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IDU or VXUS?
Over the past year IDU returned +3.68% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IDU annualized +5.15% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IDU or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 15.0% for IDU. Worst drawdown: IDU -56.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IDU and VXUS?
IDU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IDU and VXUS?
IDU and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7904 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IDU or VXUS?
IDU yields 2.19% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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