IGM vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IGM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: IGMMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIGMVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.39%0.05%
AUM$9.9B$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.13%2.60%
Holdings3018,747
YTD Return+26.65%+14.57%
1Y Return+40.69%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+35.79%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+19.11%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)22.6%15.1%
Max Drawdown-65.6%-39.9%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 13, 2001Jan 26, 2011

IGM vs VXUS Performance

iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) 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 IGM returned +40.69% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IGM is up 26.65% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, IGM compounded at +35.79% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +19.11% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IGM has the edge at +12.24% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

IGM 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 -65.6% for IGM 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

IGM charges 0.39% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $5 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IGM currently yields 0.13% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.5%overlap

IGM and VXUS share 8 holdings out of 8124 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in IGMWeight in VXUSDifference
ORCL1.09%0.00%1.09%
SHOP:CA0.65%0.33%0.32%
CLS:CA0.18%0.07%0.11%
GIBA:CAProProPro
DSG:CAProProPro
BB:CAProProPro
OTEX:CAProProPro
BILLProProPro
See all 8 holdings IGM shares with VXUS
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, IGM or VXUS?

IGM has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.

Which performed better, IGM or VXUS?

Over the past year IGM returned +40.69% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so IGM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IGM annualized +12.24% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IGM or VXUS?

IGM has been the more volatile fund at 22.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IGM -65.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both IGM and VXUS?

IGM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between IGM and VXUS?

IGM and VXUS share 8 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8124 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, IGM or VXUS?

IGM yields 0.13% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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