IEO vs VXUS
iShares US Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IEO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IEO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.37% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $589M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.87% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +44.34% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +50.57% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.40% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +25.14% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IEO vs VXUS Performance
iShares US Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (IEO) 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 IEO returned +50.57% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, IEO is up 44.34% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, IEO compounded at +13.40% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +25.14% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IEO has the edge at +5.53% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IEO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.2% 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 -80.7% for IEO 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IEO charges 0.37% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $37 vs $5 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IEO currently yields 1.87% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IEO and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7916 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, IEO or VXUS?
IEO has an expense ratio of 0.37% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IEO or VXUS?
Over the past year IEO returned +50.57% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so IEO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IEO annualized +5.53% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IEO or VXUS?
IEO has been the more volatile fund at 32.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IEO -80.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IEO and VXUS?
IEO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IEO and VXUS?
IEO and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7916 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IEO or VXUS?
IEO yields 1.87% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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