IEUR vs VXUS
iShares Core MSCI Europe 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 | IEUR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.10% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $8.8B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.19% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,024 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.22% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.73% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.12% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.66% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 10, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IEUR vs VXUS Performance
iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (IEUR) 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 IEUR returned +22.73% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, IEUR is up 11.22% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, IEUR compounded at +17.12% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.66% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, IEUR has the edge at +5.09% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IEUR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -41.1% for IEUR 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IEUR charges 0.10% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $10 vs $5 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IEUR currently yields 3.19% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IEUR and VXUS share 513 holdings out of 8213 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IEUR or VXUS?
IEUR has an expense ratio of 0.10% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IEUR or VXUS?
Over the past year IEUR returned +22.73% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IEUR annualized +5.09% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IEUR or VXUS?
IEUR has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IEUR -41.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IEUR and VXUS?
IEUR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 IEUR and VXUS?
IEUR and VXUS share 513 common holdings with a 21.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8213 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IEUR or VXUS?
IEUR yields 3.19% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so IEUR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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