ISRA vs VXUS
VanEck Israel ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ISRA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISRA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $153M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.35% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 82 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.18% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.26% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.15% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.73% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ISRA vs VXUS Performance
VanEck Israel ETF (ISRA) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ISRA returned +38.26% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, ISRA is up 12.18% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, ISRA compounded at +25.15% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.73% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, ISRA has the edge at +8.92% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISRA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -45.0% for ISRA 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
ISRA charges 0.59% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $5 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISRA currently yields 1.35% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ISRA and VXUS share 47 holdings out of 7893 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISRA or VXUS?
ISRA has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISRA or VXUS?
Over the past year ISRA returned +38.26% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so ISRA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), ISRA annualized +8.92% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISRA or VXUS?
ISRA has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ISRA -45.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ISRA and VXUS?
ISRA 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 ISRA and VXUS?
ISRA and VXUS share 47 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7893 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISRA or VXUS?
ISRA yields 1.35% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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