IPAC vs VXUS
iShares Core MSCI Pacific 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 | IPAC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.8B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.82% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 1,385 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.80% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.10% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.64% | +20.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.95% | +9.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 10, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IPAC vs VXUS Performance
iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF (IPAC) 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 IPAC returned +21.10% while VXUS returned +24.30%. Year to date, IPAC is up 15.80% versus a gain of 13.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, IPAC compounded at +19.64% per year against +20.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.95% and +9.37% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, IPAC has the edge at +5.97% annualized vs +4.79%. 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 13.8% for IPAC. 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 -35.1% for IPAC 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IPAC charges 0.09% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $5 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IPAC currently yields 3.82% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IPAC and VXUS share 1124 holdings out of 8111 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IPAC or VXUS?
IPAC has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IPAC or VXUS?
Over the past year IPAC returned +21.10% vs +24.30% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IPAC annualized +5.97% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IPAC or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.8% for IPAC. Worst drawdown: IPAC -35.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IPAC and VXUS?
IPAC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 IPAC and VXUS?
IPAC and VXUS share 1124 common holdings with a 16.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8111 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IPAC or VXUS?
IPAC yields 3.82% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so IPAC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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