IQDY vs VXUS
FlexShares International Quality Dividend Dynamic Index Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IQDY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IQDY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $114M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.96% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 252 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +18.06% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.87% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.67% | +20.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.88% | +9.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 12, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IQDY vs VXUS Performance
FlexShares International Quality Dividend Dynamic Index Fund (IQDY) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IQDY returned +32.87% while VXUS returned +24.30%. Year to date, IQDY is up 18.06% versus a gain of 13.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, IQDY compounded at +25.67% per year against +20.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.88% and +9.37% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, IQDY has the edge at +6.47% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IQDY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% 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 -45.3% for IQDY 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IQDY charges 0.47% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $5 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IQDY currently yields 2.96% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IQDY and VXUS share 144 holdings out of 7924 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IQDY or VXUS?
IQDY has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IQDY or VXUS?
Over the past year IQDY returned +32.87% vs +24.30% for VXUS, so IQDY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), IQDY annualized +6.47% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IQDY or VXUS?
IQDY has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IQDY -45.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IQDY and VXUS?
IQDY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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 IQDY and VXUS?
IQDY and VXUS share 144 common holdings with a 14.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7924 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IQDY or VXUS?
IQDY yields 2.96% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so IQDY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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