IDV vs VXUS
iShares International Select Dividend 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 | IDV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $8.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.50% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 125 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.33% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.89% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.28% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.57% | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 11, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IDV vs VXUS Performance
iShares International Select Dividend ETF (IDV) 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 IDV returned +24.89% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, IDV is up 11.33% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, IDV compounded at +25.28% per year against +19.79% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.57% and +9.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.88% annualized vs +1.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IDV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.6% 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 -76.3% for IDV 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
IDV charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IDV currently yields 5.50% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IDV and VXUS share 64 holdings out of 7895 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IDV or VXUS?
IDV has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IDV or VXUS?
Over the past year IDV returned +24.89% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IDV annualized +1.03% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IDV or VXUS?
IDV has been the more volatile fund at 22.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IDV -76.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IDV and VXUS?
IDV 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.
What is the holdings overlap between IDV and VXUS?
IDV and VXUS share 64 common holdings with a 3.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7895 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IDV or VXUS?
IDV yields 5.50% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so IDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.