IVAL vs VXUS
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, IVAL or VXUS?
Large Cap Value against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IVAL led over 1Y and 5Y, VXUS over 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 | IVAL | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $228M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.54% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 55 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +19.86%Best | +13.64% |
| 1Y Return | +25.25%Best | +20.82% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.37% | +19.58%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.12%Best | +9.14% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 14.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -49.2% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,942Best | $15,485 |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Dec 16, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 17, 2014 to Sep 17, 2026 (11.8 years).
IVAL 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 11.8 years both funds cover.
IVAL vs VXUS Performance
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF (IVAL) is an ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IVAL returned +25.25% while VXUS returned +20.82%. Year to date, IVAL is up 19.86% versus a gain of 13.64% for VXUS.
Over three years, IVAL compounded at +19.37% per year against +19.58% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.12% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +6.62% annualized vs +5.62%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% compared with 14.8% 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 -49.2% for IVAL and -39.9% 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVAL 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, IVAL currently yields 2.54% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 72.0% of IVAL's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 88.8% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
Most of IVAL is already inside VXUS. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
41 positions in common, counted across the 65 positions we hold weights for in IVAL and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 55 and 8,747.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVAL | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BHP:AUBhp Group Ltd | 2.00% | 0.31% | 1.69% |
| 4631:TKDic Corp | 2.08% | 0.00% | 2.08% |
| 4503:JPAstellas Pharma Inc | 2.02% | 0.06% | 1.96% |
| 6902:JPDenso Corp | 2.03% | 0.05% | 1.98% |
| REP:MARepsol S.a | 2.00% | 0.07% | 1.93% |
| AD:ASKoninklijke Ahold Delhaize Nv | 1.99% | 0.08% | 1.91% |
| IMB:LNImperial Brands PLC Shs | 2.00% | 0.06% | 1.94% |
| EQNR:OSEquinor Asa | 1.99% | 0.07% | 1.92% |
| 7269:JPSuzuki Motor Corp Common | 2.01% | 0.05% | 1.96% |
| 3405:JPKuraray Co Ltd NPV | 2.04% | 0.01% | 2.03% |
72.0% of IVAL is already inside VXUS.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVAL or VXUS?
IVAL has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $33 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IVAL or VXUS?
Over the past year IVAL returned +25.25% vs +20.82% for VXUS, so IVAL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IVAL annualized +5.62% vs +6.62% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IVAL or VXUS?
IVAL has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 14.8% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IVAL -49.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IVAL and VXUS?
IVAL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between IVAL and VXUS?
At least 72.0% of IVAL's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 41 positions in common, counted across the 65 positions we hold weights for in IVAL and 8,082 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVAL or VXUS?
IVAL yields 2.54% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so IVAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than IVAL?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IVAL led over 1Y and 5Y, VXUS over 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.