IIM vs VXUS
Invesco Value Municipal Income Trust 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IIM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.70% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3,691.17 | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.43% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 499 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.25% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.22% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.40% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.26% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 1993 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IIM vs VXUS Performance
Invesco Value Municipal Income Trust (IIM) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IIM returned +18.22% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IIM is up 7.25% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, IIM compounded at +10.40% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.26% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +1.40%. 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 12.1% for IIM. 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 -46.5% for IIM 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IIM charges 1.70% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $170 vs $5 annually, a gap of $165 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IIM currently yields 7.43% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IIM and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8106 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, IIM or VXUS?
IIM has an expense ratio of 1.70% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $165 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IIM or VXUS?
Over the past year IIM returned +18.22% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IIM annualized +1.40% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IIM or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.1% for IIM. Worst drawdown: IIM -46.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IIM and VXUS?
IIM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IIM and VXUS?
IIM and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8106 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IIM or VXUS?
IIM yields 7.43% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so IIM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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