IQDG vs VXUS
WisdomTree International Quality Dividend Growth Fund 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 | IQDG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.44% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $702M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.40% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 262 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +6.94% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.69% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.27% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.82% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 7, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IQDG vs VXUS Performance
WisdomTree International Quality Dividend Growth Fund (IQDG) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IQDG returned +16.69% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, IQDG is up 6.94% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, IQDG compounded at +11.27% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.82% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, IQDG has the edge at +8.17% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IQDG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.0% 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 -35.0% for IQDG 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
IQDG charges 0.44% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $44 vs $5 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IQDG currently yields 2.40% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IQDG and VXUS share 185 holdings out of 7934 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IQDG or VXUS?
IQDG has an expense ratio of 0.44% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IQDG or VXUS?
Over the past year IQDG returned +16.69% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), IQDG annualized +8.17% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IQDG or VXUS?
IQDG has been the more volatile fund at 16.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IQDG -35.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IQDG and VXUS?
IQDG 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 IQDG and VXUS?
IQDG and VXUS share 185 common holdings with a 11.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7934 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IQDG or VXUS?
IQDG yields 2.40% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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