IHF vs VXUS
iShares US Health Care Providers ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IHF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IHF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.95% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 64 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +16.93% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.83% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.59% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.32% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IHF vs VXUS Performance
iShares US Health Care Providers ETF (IHF) 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 IHF returned +33.83% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, IHF is up 16.93% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, IHF compounded at +3.59% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.32% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IHF has the edge at +9.26% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IHF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% 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 -58.8% for IHF 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IHF charges 0.38% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $5 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IHF currently yields 0.95% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IHF and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7922 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, IHF or VXUS?
IHF has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IHF or VXUS?
Over the past year IHF returned +33.83% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so IHF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IHF annualized +9.26% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IHF or VXUS?
IHF has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IHF -58.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IHF and VXUS?
IHF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IHF and VXUS?
IHF and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7922 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IHF or VXUS?
IHF yields 0.95% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.