IGRO vs VXUS
iShares International Dividend Growth 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 | IGRO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.62% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 584 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.56% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.23% | +26.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.84% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.82% | +9.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 17, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IGRO vs VXUS Performance
iShares International Dividend Growth ETF (IGRO) 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 IGRO returned +18.23% while VXUS returned +26.36%. Year to date, IGRO is up 10.56% versus a gain of 15.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, IGRO compounded at +17.84% per year against +20.98% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.82% and +9.68% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, IGRO has the edge at +7.97% annualized vs +4.90%. 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 14.7% for IGRO. 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 -37.0% for IGRO 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
IGRO charges 0.15% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $5 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IGRO currently yields 2.62% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IGRO and VXUS share 348 holdings out of 8045 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IGRO or VXUS?
IGRO has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IGRO or VXUS?
Over the past year IGRO returned +18.23% vs +26.36% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), IGRO annualized +7.97% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IGRO or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.7% for IGRO. Worst drawdown: IGRO -37.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IGRO and VXUS?
IGRO 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 IGRO and VXUS?
IGRO and VXUS share 348 common holdings with a 16.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8045 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IGRO or VXUS?
IGRO yields 2.62% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so IGRO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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