ISCG vs VXUS
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ISCG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISCG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $975M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.57% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 939 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +16.86% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.35% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.31% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.13% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2004 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ISCG vs VXUS Performance
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (ISCG) 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 ISCG returned +30.35% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, ISCG is up 16.86% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, ISCG compounded at +17.31% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.13% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, ISCG has the edge at +9.28% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISCG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -58.0% for ISCG 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
ISCG charges 0.06% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $5 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISCG currently yields 0.57% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ISCG and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 8733 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISCG or VXUS?
ISCG has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISCG or VXUS?
Over the past year ISCG returned +30.35% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so ISCG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ISCG annualized +9.28% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISCG or VXUS?
ISCG has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ISCG -58.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ISCG and VXUS?
ISCG 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 ISCG and VXUS?
ISCG and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8733 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISCG or VXUS?
ISCG yields 0.57% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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