IMST vs VXUS
IMST vs VXUS
Bitwise MSTR Option Income Strategy 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 | IMST | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $6M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 252.16% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -32.44% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -70.05% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 48.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Bitwise | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 1, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IMST vs VXUS Performance
Bitwise MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (IMST) is a ETF from Bitwise and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IMST returned -70.05% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IMST is down 32.44% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IMST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 48.9% 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 -75.6% for IMST 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 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IMST charges 0.98% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $5 annually, a gap of $93 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IMST currently yields 252.16% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IMST or VXUS?
IMST has an expense ratio of 0.98% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $93 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IMST or VXUS?
Over the past year IMST returned -70.05% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IMST annualized -51.17% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IMST or VXUS?
IMST has been the more volatile fund at 48.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IMST -75.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IMST and VXUS?
IMST and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IMST or VXUS?
IMST yields 252.16% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so IMST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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