ILIT vs VXUS
iShares Lithium Miners and Producers ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ILIT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ILIT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $16M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.35% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -3.20% | +14.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +59.01% | +26.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -3.75% | +19.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.16% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 44.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 21, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ILIT vs VXUS Performance
iShares Lithium Miners and Producers ETF (ILIT) 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 ILIT returned +59.01% while VXUS returned +26.79%. Year to date, ILIT is down 3.20% versus a gain of 14.72% for VXUS.
Over three years, ILIT compounded at -3.75% per year against +19.63% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.85% annualized vs -8.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ILIT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 44.1% 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 -72.1% for ILIT 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ILIT 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, ILIT currently yields 2.35% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ILIT and VXUS share 19 holdings out of 8110 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, ILIT or VXUS?
ILIT 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, ILIT or VXUS?
Over the past year ILIT returned +59.01% vs +26.79% for VXUS, so ILIT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ILIT annualized -8.50% vs +4.85% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ILIT or VXUS?
ILIT has been the more volatile fund at 44.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ILIT -72.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ILIT and VXUS?
ILIT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ILIT and VXUS?
ILIT and VXUS share 19 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8110 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ILIT or VXUS?
ILIT yields 2.35% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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