IJS vs VXUS
IJS vs VXUS
iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IJS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $8.1B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.32% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 487 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +22.07% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.83% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.69% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.33% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2000 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IJS vs VXUS Performance
iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF (IJS) 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 IJS returned +38.83% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IJS is up 22.07% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, IJS compounded at +13.69% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.33% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IJS has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IJS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% 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 -61.3% for IJS 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IJS charges 0.18% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $5 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IJS currently yields 1.32% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IJS and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7879 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, IJS or VXUS?
IJS has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IJS or VXUS?
Over the past year IJS returned +38.83% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so IJS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IJS annualized +8.82% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJS or VXUS?
IJS has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IJS -61.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IJS and VXUS?
IJS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IJS and VXUS?
IJS and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7879 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJS or VXUS?
IJS yields 1.32% 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.