IHAK vs VXUS
iShares Cybersecurity and Tech ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IHAK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IHAK | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.07% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 49 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +40.97% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.17% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.09% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.43% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 11, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IHAK vs VXUS Performance
iShares Cybersecurity and Tech ETF (IHAK) 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 IHAK returned +32.17% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, IHAK is up 40.97% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, IHAK compounded at +21.09% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.43% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, IHAK has the edge at +14.69% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IHAK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.0% 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 -34.4% for IHAK 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IHAK charges 0.47% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $5 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IHAK currently yields 0.07% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IHAK and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 7898 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IHAK or VXUS?
IHAK has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IHAK or VXUS?
Over the past year IHAK returned +32.17% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so IHAK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), IHAK annualized +14.69% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IHAK or VXUS?
IHAK has been the more volatile fund at 21.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IHAK -34.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IHAK and VXUS?
IHAK and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IHAK and VXUS?
IHAK and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7898 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IHAK or VXUS?
IHAK yields 0.07% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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