IPO vs VXUS
Renaissance IPO 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 | IPO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $173M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.45% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 48 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +21.38% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.68% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.91% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Renaissance Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 16, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IPO vs VXUS Performance
Renaissance IPO ETF (IPO) is a ETF from Renaissance Capital and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IPO returned +14.68% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, IPO is up 21.38% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, IPO compounded at +21.49% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -1.91% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, IPO has the edge at +8.46% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IPO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.3% 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 -68.8% for IPO 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IPO charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IPO currently yields 0.45% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IPO and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7920 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IPO | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAI:AU | 0.62% | 0.00% | 0.62% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IPO or VXUS?
IPO has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IPO or VXUS?
Over the past year IPO returned +14.68% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), IPO annualized +8.46% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IPO or VXUS?
IPO has been the more volatile fund at 26.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IPO -68.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IPO and VXUS?
IPO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IPO and VXUS?
IPO and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7920 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IPO or VXUS?
IPO yields 0.45% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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