IWB vs VXUS
iShares Russell 1000 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IWB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $50.0B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.93% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 1,029 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.60% | +15.77% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.05% | +26.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.41% | +20.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.06% | +9.53% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IWB vs VXUS Performance
iShares Russell 1000 ETF (IWB) 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 IWB returned +20.05% while VXUS returned +26.56%. Year to date, IWB is up 12.60% versus a gain of 15.77% for VXUS.
Over three years, IWB compounded at +21.41% per year against +20.47% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.06% and +9.53% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IWB has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs +4.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IWB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -56.4% for IWB 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWB charges 0.15% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $5 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWB currently yields 0.93% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IWB and VXUS share 13 holdings out of 8740 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IWB or VXUS?
IWB has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWB or VXUS?
Over the past year IWB returned +20.05% vs +26.56% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IWB annualized +7.09% vs +4.91% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWB or VXUS?
IWB has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IWB -56.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IWB and VXUS?
IWB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IWB and VXUS?
IWB and VXUS share 13 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8740 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWB or VXUS?
IWB yields 0.93% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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