IPOS vs VXUS
Renaissance International IPO ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IPOS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IPOS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $12M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.36% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +37.08% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +48.10% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.79% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -5.91% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -73.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Renaissance Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 6, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IPOS vs VXUS Performance
Renaissance International IPO ETF (IPOS) is a ETF from Renaissance Capital and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IPOS returned +48.10% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, IPOS is up 37.08% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, IPOS compounded at +17.79% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -5.91% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +1.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IPOS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.8% 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 -73.1% for IPOS 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IPOS charges 0.80% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $5 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IPOS currently yields 0.36% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IPOS and VXUS share 22 holdings out of 7897 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IPOS or VXUS?
IPOS has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IPOS or VXUS?
Over the past year IPOS returned +48.10% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so IPOS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IPOS annualized +1.60% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IPOS or VXUS?
IPOS has been the more volatile fund at 21.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IPOS -73.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IPOS and VXUS?
IPOS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IPOS and VXUS?
IPOS and VXUS share 22 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7897 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IPOS or VXUS?
IPOS yields 0.36% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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