ISCB vs VXUS
ISCB vs VXUS
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
ISCB has a lower expense ratio. ISCB delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISCB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $283M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.26% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,587 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +17.70% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.65% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.22% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.76% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2004 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ISCB vs VXUS Performance
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF (ISCB) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ISCB returned +31.65% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, ISCB is up 17.70% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, ISCB compounded at +16.22% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.76% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, ISCB has the edge at +8.05% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISCB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% 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 -61.9% for ISCB 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISCB charges 0.04% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $5 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISCB currently yields 1.26% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ISCB and VXUS share 7 holdings out of 9159 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ISCB | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGP | 0.18% | 0.00% | 0.18% |
| ESE | 0.13% | 0.00% | 0.13% |
| AM | 0.11% | 0.02% | 0.09% |
| GLXY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FBK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SIG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BILL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 7 holdings ISCB shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISCB or VXUS?
ISCB has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VXUS charges 0.05%. ISCB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISCB or VXUS?
Over the past year ISCB returned +31.65% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so ISCB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ISCB annualized +8.05% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISCB or VXUS?
ISCB has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ISCB -61.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ISCB and VXUS?
ISCB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISCB and VXUS?
ISCB and VXUS share 7 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9159 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISCB or VXUS?
ISCB yields 1.26% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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