IVAL vs VXUS
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IVAL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVAL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $217M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.77% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +17.98% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.78% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.20% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.54% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 16, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IVAL vs VXUS Performance
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF (IVAL) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IVAL returned +31.78% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IVAL is up 17.98% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, IVAL compounded at +19.20% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.54% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, IVAL has the edge at +5.53% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -49.2% for IVAL 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 0.89. 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 2.77% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IVAL and VXUS share 38 holdings out of 7873 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVAL or VXUS?
Over the past year IVAL returned +31.78% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so IVAL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IVAL annualized +5.53% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVAL or VXUS?
IVAL has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.1% 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 combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVAL and VXUS?
IVAL and VXUS share 38 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7873 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVAL or VXUS?
IVAL yields 2.77% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so IVAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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