ISMD vs VXUS
Inspire Small/Mid Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ISMD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISMD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $349M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.12% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 504 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +31.11% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.28% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.19% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.30% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Inspire ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ISMD vs VXUS Performance
Inspire Small/Mid Cap ETF (ISMD) is a ETF from Inspire ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ISMD returned +36.28% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, ISMD is up 31.11% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, ISMD compounded at +17.19% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.30% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, ISMD has the edge at +9.55% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISMD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.1% 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 -45.5% for ISMD 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
ISMD charges 0.57% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $5 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISMD currently yields 1.12% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ISMD and VXUS share 4 holdings out of 8363 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, ISMD or VXUS?
ISMD has an expense ratio of 0.57% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISMD or VXUS?
Over the past year ISMD returned +36.28% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so ISMD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ISMD annualized +9.55% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISMD or VXUS?
ISMD has been the more volatile fund at 21.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ISMD -45.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ISMD and VXUS?
ISMD 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 ISMD and VXUS?
ISMD and VXUS share 4 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8363 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISMD or VXUS?
ISMD yields 1.12% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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