ITM vs VXUS
ITM vs VXUS
VanEck Intermediate Muni 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ITM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.92% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,365 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -2.14% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.33% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.59% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.26% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 4, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ITM vs VXUS Performance
VanEck Intermediate Muni ETF (ITM) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ITM returned +2.33% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, ITM is down 2.14% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, ITM compounded at +2.59% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.26% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +3.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ITM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.6% 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 -46.2% for ITM 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ITM charges 0.18% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $5 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ITM currently yields 2.92% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ITM and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8251 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, ITM or VXUS?
ITM has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ITM or VXUS?
Over the past year ITM returned +2.33% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ITM annualized +3.22% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ITM or VXUS?
ITM has been the more volatile fund at 24.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ITM -46.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ITM and VXUS?
ITM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ITM and VXUS?
ITM and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8251 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ITM or VXUS?
ITM yields 2.92% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so ITM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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