IPAY vs VXUS
Amplify Digital Payments 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 | IPAY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $188M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.82% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.04% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -10.38% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.87% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -5.56% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IPAY vs VXUS Performance
Amplify Digital Payments ETF (IPAY) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IPAY returned -10.38% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, IPAY is up 1.04% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, IPAY compounded at +7.87% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -5.56% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, IPAY has the edge at +6.95% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IPAY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.3% 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 -51.8% for IPAY 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IPAY charges 0.75% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $5 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IPAY currently yields 0.82% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IPAY and VXUS share 4 holdings out of 7906 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IPAY or VXUS?
IPAY has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IPAY or VXUS?
Over the past year IPAY returned -10.38% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), IPAY annualized +6.95% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IPAY or VXUS?
IPAY has been the more volatile fund at 23.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IPAY -51.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IPAY and VXUS?
IPAY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IPAY and VXUS?
IPAY and VXUS share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7906 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IPAY or VXUS?
IPAY yields 0.82% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS 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.