ISVL vs VXUS
iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISVL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $335M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.06% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 538 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.28% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.17% | +26.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.88% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.57% | +9.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 23, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ISVL vs VXUS Performance
iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF (ISVL) 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 ISVL returned +25.17% while VXUS returned +26.36%. Year to date, ISVL is up 13.28% versus a gain of 15.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, ISVL compounded at +23.88% per year against +20.98% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.57% and +9.68% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, ISVL has the edge at +12.16% annualized vs +4.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISVL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -30.5% for ISVL 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISVL charges 0.31% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $5 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISVL currently yields 3.06% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ISVL and VXUS share 397 holdings out of 7981 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISVL or VXUS?
ISVL has an expense ratio of 0.31% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISVL or VXUS?
Over the past year ISVL returned +25.17% vs +26.36% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ISVL annualized +12.16% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISVL or VXUS?
ISVL has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ISVL -30.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ISVL and VXUS?
ISVL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between ISVL and VXUS?
ISVL and VXUS share 397 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7981 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISVL or VXUS?
ISVL yields 3.06% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so ISVL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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