IFGL vs VXUS
iShares International Developed Real Estate 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IFGL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $82M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.98% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 281 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.62% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.53% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.77% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.57% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -71.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IFGL vs VXUS Performance
iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF (IFGL) 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 IFGL returned +2.53% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, IFGL is up 0.62% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, IFGL compounded at +8.77% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -2.57% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs -2.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IFGL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -71.3% for IFGL 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
IFGL charges 0.48% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $48 vs $5 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IFGL currently yields 3.98% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IFGL and VXUS share 164 holdings out of 7962 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IFGL or VXUS?
IFGL has an expense ratio of 0.48% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IFGL or VXUS?
Over the past year IFGL returned +2.53% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IFGL annualized -2.97% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IFGL or VXUS?
IFGL has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IFGL -71.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IFGL and VXUS?
IFGL 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 IFGL and VXUS?
IFGL and VXUS share 164 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7962 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IFGL or VXUS?
IFGL yields 3.98% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so IFGL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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