IG vs VXUS
IG vs VXUS
Principal Investment Grade Corporate 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 | IG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $198M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.07% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 248 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -1.54% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.84% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.56% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.69% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2018 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IG vs VXUS Performance
Principal Investment Grade Corporate ETF (IG) is a ETF from Principal Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IG returned +0.84% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IG is down 1.54% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, IG compounded at +4.56% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.69% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.59%. 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 8.0% for IG. 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 -23.8% for IG 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IG charges 0.19% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $5 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IG currently yields 5.07% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IG and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8006 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, IG or VXUS?
IG has an expense ratio of 0.19% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IG or VXUS?
Over the past year IG returned +0.84% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IG annualized +0.59% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IG or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.0% for IG. Worst drawdown: IG -23.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IG and VXUS?
IG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IG and VXUS?
IG and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8006 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IG or VXUS?
IG yields 5.07% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so IG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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