INDA vs VXUS
iShares MSCI India 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | INDA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.62% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $6.7B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 170 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -9.49% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | -7.70% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.50% | +20.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.90% | +9.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 2, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
INDA vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI India ETF (INDA) 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 INDA returned -7.70% while VXUS returned +24.30%. Year to date, INDA is down 9.49% versus a gain of 13.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, INDA compounded at +4.50% per year against +20.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.90% and +9.37% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, INDA has the edge at +5.36% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
INDA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -45.1% for INDA 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
INDA charges 0.62% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $62 vs $5 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, INDA currently yields 0.00% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
INDA and VXUS share 50 holdings out of 7985 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in INDA | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| RELIANCE:MB | 5.87% | 0.24% | 5.63% |
| ICICIBANK:MB | 5.77% | 0.18% | 5.59% |
| BHARTIARTL:MB | 4.03% | 0.13% | 3.90% |
| AXISBANK:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LT:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KOTAKBANK:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TCS:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MARUTI:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NTPC:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ASIANPAINT:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, INDA or VXUS?
INDA has an expense ratio of 0.62% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, INDA or VXUS?
Over the past year INDA returned -7.70% vs +24.30% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), INDA annualized +5.36% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, INDA or VXUS?
INDA has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: INDA -45.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both INDA and VXUS?
INDA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between INDA and VXUS?
INDA and VXUS share 50 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7985 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, INDA or VXUS?
INDA yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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