IJK vs VXUS
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IJK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJK | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $10.9B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.52% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 252 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +19.56% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.94% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.22% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.46% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2000 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IJK vs VXUS Performance
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF (IJK) 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 IJK returned +27.94% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IJK is up 19.56% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, IJK compounded at +16.22% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.46% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IJK has the edge at +8.15% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IJK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.1% 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 -54.6% for IJK 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IJK charges 0.17% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $5 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IJK currently yields 0.52% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IJK and VXUS share 4 holdings out of 8104 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, IJK or VXUS?
IJK has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IJK or VXUS?
Over the past year IJK returned +27.94% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so IJK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IJK annualized +8.15% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJK or VXUS?
IJK has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IJK -54.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IJK and VXUS?
IJK and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IJK and VXUS?
IJK and VXUS share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJK or VXUS?
IJK yields 0.52% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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