ILS vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricILSVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio1.58%0.05%
AUM$81M$156.5B
Dividend Yield8.23%2.60%
Holdings818,747
YTD Return+3.70%+14.57%
1Y Return+7.82%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)2.6%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 +7.82% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, ILS is up 3.70% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 2.6% 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 -0.01. 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 8.23% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

ILS and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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 +7.82% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), ILS annualized +7.00% vs +4.86% 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 2.6% 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 -0.01, 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 7862 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, ILS or VXUS?

ILS yields 8.23% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so ILS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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