ILTB vs VXUS
ILTB vs VXUS
iShares Core 10+ Year USD Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ILTB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $599M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.92% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 3,896 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -1.94% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.31% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.69% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.12% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ILTB vs VXUS Performance
iShares Core 10+ Year USD Bond ETF (ILTB) 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 ILTB returned +0.31% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, ILTB is down 1.94% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, ILTB compounded at +2.69% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -4.12% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +1.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 10.5% for ILTB. 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 -38.0% for ILTB 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ILTB charges 0.06% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $5 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ILTB currently yields 4.92% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ILTB and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 8926 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ILTB | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARGENT 5 01/09/38 | 0.15% | 0.00% | 0.15% |
| ARGENT 3.5 07/09/41 | 0.13% | 0.00% | 0.13% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ILTB or VXUS?
ILTB has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ILTB or VXUS?
Over the past year ILTB returned +0.31% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ILTB annualized +1.00% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ILTB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.5% for ILTB. Worst drawdown: ILTB -38.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ILTB and VXUS?
ILTB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ILTB and VXUS?
ILTB and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8926 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ILTB or VXUS?
ILTB yields 4.92% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so ILTB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.