IVLU vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IVLU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVLU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $4.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.36% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 368 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +16.44% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.97% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.96% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.41% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IVLU vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF (IVLU) 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 IVLU returned +32.97% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, IVLU is up 16.44% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, IVLU compounded at +24.96% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +15.41% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, IVLU has the edge at +7.39% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVLU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% 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 -45.4% for IVLU 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVLU 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, IVLU currently yields 3.36% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IVLU and VXUS share 180 holdings out of 8025 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVLU or VXUS?
IVLU 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, IVLU or VXUS?
Over the past year IVLU returned +32.97% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so IVLU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), IVLU annualized +7.39% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVLU or VXUS?
IVLU has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IVLU -45.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IVLU and VXUS?
IVLU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 IVLU and VXUS?
IVLU and VXUS share 180 common holdings with a 12.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8025 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVLU or VXUS?
IVLU yields 3.36% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so IVLU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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