ISTM vs VXUS
iShares Strategic Metals ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, ISTM or VXUS?
Commodities against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ISTM led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISTM | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $31M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 14.27% | 2.59% |
| Holdings | 92 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +8.76% | +16.15%Best |
| 1Y Return | +46.22%Best | +27.58% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.67%Best | +20.48% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.09% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.8% | 11.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -22.5% | -13.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 2.9 years | $23,707Best | $17,852 |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Commodity | Equity |
| Style | Commodities | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Sep 26, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.9 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 28, 2023 to Sep 4, 2026 (2.9 years).
ISTM vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 2.9 years both funds cover.
ISTM vs VXUS Performance
iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ISTM returned +46.22% while VXUS returned +27.58%. Year to date, ISTM is up 8.76% versus a gain of 16.15% for VXUS.
Over three years, ISTM compounded at +34.67% per year against +20.48% for VXUS.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISTM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.8% compared with 11.7% 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 -22.5% for ISTM and -13.6% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.22. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISTM 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, ISTM currently yields 14.27% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in ISTM and 8,092 in VXUS, totalling 17.8% and 87.5% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1 positions we hold weights for in ISTM and 8,092 in VXUS, against full books of 92 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of ISTM and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISTM or VXUS?
ISTM has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $42 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, ISTM or VXUS?
Over the past year ISTM returned +46.22% vs +27.58% for VXUS, so ISTM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, ISTM or VXUS?
ISTM has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 11.7% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ISTM -22.5% vs VXUS -13.6%.
Should I hold both ISTM and VXUS?
ISTM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISTM or VXUS?
ISTM yields 14.27% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so ISTM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than ISTM?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ISTM led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.