ITA vs VXUS
iShares US Aerospace & Defense ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ITA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ITA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $14.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.47% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.34% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.70% | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.24% | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ITA vs VXUS Performance
iShares US Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) 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 ITA returned +27.34% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, ITA is up 12.47% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Over three years, ITA compounded at +29.70% per year against +19.85% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +19.24% and +9.23% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, ITA has the edge at +12.99% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ITA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -59.7% for ITA 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ITA charges 0.38% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $5 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ITA currently yields 0.44% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ITA and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7911 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, ITA or VXUS?
ITA has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ITA or VXUS?
Over the past year ITA returned +27.34% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so ITA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ITA annualized +12.99% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ITA or VXUS?
ITA has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ITA -59.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ITA and VXUS?
ITA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ITA and VXUS?
ITA and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7911 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ITA or VXUS?
ITA yields 0.44% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.