Quick Verdict

VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: TiedHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIJHVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.05%0.05%
AUM$123.1B$156.5B
Dividend Yield1.15%2.60%
Holdings4138,747
YTD Return+16.82%+14.57%
1Y Return+26.01%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+14.60%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.95%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)17.7%15.1%
Max Drawdown-56.1%-39.9%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMay 22, 2000Jan 26, 2011

IJH vs VXUS Performance

iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH) 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 IJH returned +26.01% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IJH is up 16.82% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, IJH compounded at +14.60% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.95% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IJH has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

IJH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -56.1% for IJH 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

IJH charges 0.05% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $5 annually. On income, IJH currently yields 1.15% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

IJH and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7888 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in IJHWeight in VXUSDifference
BILL0.10%0.00%0.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, IJH or VXUS?

IJH has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VXUS charges 0.05%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.

Which performed better, IJH or VXUS?

Over the past year IJH returned +26.01% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IJH annualized +8.81% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IJH or VXUS?

IJH has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IJH -56.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both IJH and VXUS?

IJH and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between IJH and VXUS?

IJH and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7888 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, IJH or VXUS?

IJH yields 1.15% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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