IWC vs VXUS
iShares Microcap ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IWC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IWC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.94% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,380 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +25.25% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +51.41% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.03% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.48% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 12, 2005 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IWC vs VXUS Performance
iShares Microcap ETF (IWC) 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 IWC returned +51.41% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, IWC is up 25.25% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, IWC compounded at +23.03% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.48% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IWC has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IWC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.6% 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 -65.2% for IWC 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWC charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWC currently yields 0.94% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IWC and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 9134 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, IWC or VXUS?
IWC has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWC or VXUS?
Over the past year IWC returned +51.41% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so IWC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IWC annualized +7.10% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWC or VXUS?
IWC has been the more volatile fund at 21.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IWC -65.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IWC and VXUS?
IWC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IWC and VXUS?
IWC and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9134 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWC or VXUS?
IWC yields 0.94% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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