IGSB vs VXUS
iShares 1-5 Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
IGSB has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IGSB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $22.9B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.56% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 4,645 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.72% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.00% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.75% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.50% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 5, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IGSB vs VXUS Performance
iShares 1-5 Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (IGSB) 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 IGSB returned +3.00% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, IGSB is up 0.72% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, IGSB compounded at +5.75% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.50% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +1.13%. 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 2.7% for IGSB. 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 -13.4% for IGSB 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IGSB charges 0.04% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $5 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IGSB currently yields 4.56% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IGSB and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 11793 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IGSB | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOGG3:BV | 0.03% | 0.00% | 0.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IGSB or VXUS?
IGSB has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VXUS charges 0.05%. IGSB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IGSB or VXUS?
Over the past year IGSB returned +3.00% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IGSB annualized +1.13% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IGSB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.7% for IGSB. Worst drawdown: IGSB -13.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IGSB and VXUS?
IGSB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IGSB and VXUS?
IGSB and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 11793 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IGSB or VXUS?
IGSB yields 4.56% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so IGSB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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