INTF vs VXUS
iShares International Equity Factor 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 | INTF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.16% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.94% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 506 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +14.90% | +15.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.75% | +26.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.60% | +20.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.15% | +9.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 28, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
INTF vs VXUS Performance
iShares International Equity Factor ETF (INTF) 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 INTF returned +25.75% while VXUS returned +26.73%. Year to date, INTF is up 14.90% versus a gain of 15.52% for VXUS.
Over three years, INTF compounded at +21.60% per year against +20.35% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.15% and +9.40% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, INTF has the edge at +6.77% annualized vs +4.90%. 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 15.1% for INTF. 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 -43.9% for INTF 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
INTF charges 0.16% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $16 vs $5 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, INTF currently yields 2.94% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
INTF and VXUS share 319 holdings out of 8028 unique holdings combined, representing a 23.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, INTF or VXUS?
INTF has an expense ratio of 0.16% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, INTF or VXUS?
Over the past year INTF returned +25.75% vs +26.73% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), INTF annualized +6.77% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, INTF or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 15.1% for INTF. Worst drawdown: INTF -43.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both INTF and VXUS?
INTF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between INTF and VXUS?
INTF and VXUS share 319 common holdings with a 23.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8028 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, INTF or VXUS?
INTF yields 2.94% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so INTF 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.