ILS vs VXUS

ILS vs VXUS
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Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricILSVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio1.58%0.05%
AUM$85M$158.1B
Dividend Yield8.15%2.59%
Holdings1288,747
YTD Return+5.16%+15.52%
1Y Return+8.57%+26.73%
3Y Return (annualized)-+20.35%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.40%
Volatility (annualized)2.7%15.1%
Max Drawdown-1.6%-39.9%
Fund FamilyILS ETFsVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionMar 14, 2025Jan 26, 2011

ILS vs VXUS Performance

Brookmont Catastrophic Bond ETF (ILS) is a ETF from ILS ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ILS returned +8.57% while VXUS returned +26.73%. Year to date, ILS is up 5.16% versus a gain of 15.52% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 2.7% for ILS. 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 -1.6% for ILS 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 0.03. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ILS charges 1.58% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $158 vs $5 annually, a gap of $153 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ILS currently yields 8.15% against 2.59% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

ILS and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7870 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, ILS or VXUS?

ILS has an expense ratio of 1.58% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $153 per year of difference.

Which performed better, ILS or VXUS?

Over the past year ILS returned +8.57% vs +26.73% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), ILS annualized +7.79% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ILS or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.7% for ILS. Worst drawdown: ILS -1.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both ILS and VXUS?

ILS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.03, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between ILS and VXUS?

ILS and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7870 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, ILS or VXUS?

ILS yields 8.15% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so ILS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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