ILF vs VXUS
iShares Latin America 40 ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ILF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ILF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.50% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.73% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.48% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.49% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.76% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2001 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ILF vs VXUS Performance
iShares Latin America 40 ETF (ILF) 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 ILF returned +38.48% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, ILF is up 13.73% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, ILF compounded at +14.49% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.76% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, ILF has the edge at +7.52% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ILF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.8% 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 -74.4% for ILF 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ILF charges 0.47% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $5 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ILF currently yields 3.50% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ILF and VXUS share 30 holdings out of 7873 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ILF | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ITUB:BV | 7.08% | 0.00% | 7.08% |
| GMEXICOB:MX | 5.71% | 0.08% | 5.63% |
| PBR | 4.78% | 0.08% | 4.70% |
| BAP:BM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GFNORTEO:MX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FEMSAUBD:MX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CEMEXCPO:MX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BBD:BV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ITSA4:BV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| B3SA3:BV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ILF or VXUS?
ILF has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ILF or VXUS?
Over the past year ILF returned +38.48% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so ILF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ILF annualized +7.52% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ILF or VXUS?
ILF has been the more volatile fund at 26.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ILF -74.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ILF and VXUS?
ILF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ILF and VXUS?
ILF and VXUS share 30 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7873 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ILF or VXUS?
ILF yields 3.50% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so ILF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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