IJT vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IJT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: IJTMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIJTVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%0.05%
AUM$8.2B$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.68%2.60%
Holdings3908,747
YTD Return+24.43%+14.57%
1Y Return+33.42%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.47%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+6.91%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)19.2%15.1%
Max Drawdown-58.0%-39.9%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJul 24, 2000Jan 26, 2011

IJT vs VXUS Performance

iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF (IJT) 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 IJT returned +33.42% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IJT is up 24.43% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, IJT compounded at +15.47% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.91% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IJT has the edge at +9.08% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

IJT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.2% 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 -58.0% for IJT 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

IJT 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, IJT currently yields 0.68% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

IJT and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7875 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, IJT or VXUS?

IJT 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, IJT or VXUS?

Over the past year IJT returned +33.42% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so IJT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IJT annualized +9.08% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IJT or VXUS?

IJT has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IJT -58.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both IJT and VXUS?

IJT 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 IJT and VXUS?

IJT and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7875 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, IJT or VXUS?

IJT yields 0.68% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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