IPKW vs VXUS
Invesco International BuyBack Achievers 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 | IPKW | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $539M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.62% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 178 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.03% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.47% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.24% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.70% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 24, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IPKW vs VXUS Performance
Invesco International BuyBack Achievers ETF (IPKW) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IPKW returned +26.47% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IPKW is up 12.03% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, IPKW compounded at +25.24% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.70% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, IPKW has the edge at +9.55% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IPKW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -50.3% for IPKW 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IPKW charges 0.55% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $5 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IPKW currently yields 3.62% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IPKW and VXUS share 120 holdings out of 7900 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IPKW or VXUS?
IPKW has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IPKW or VXUS?
Over the past year IPKW returned +26.47% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IPKW annualized +9.55% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IPKW or VXUS?
IPKW has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IPKW -50.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IPKW and VXUS?
IPKW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 IPKW and VXUS?
IPKW and VXUS share 120 common holdings with a 2.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7900 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IPKW or VXUS?
IPKW yields 3.62% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so IPKW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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