IWMI vs VXUS
IWMI vs VXUS
NEOS Russell 2000 High Income 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IWMI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 13.25% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +8.31% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.63% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | NEOS | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IWMI vs VXUS Performance
NEOS Russell 2000 High Income ETF (IWMI) is a ETF from NEOS and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IWMI returned +21.63% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IWMI is up 8.31% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 13.6% for IWMI. 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 -23.9% for IWMI 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWMI charges 0.68% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $5 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWMI currently yields 13.25% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IWMI and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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, IWMI or VXUS?
IWMI has an expense ratio of 0.68% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWMI or VXUS?
Over the past year IWMI returned +21.63% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IWMI annualized +14.10% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWMI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.6% for IWMI. Worst drawdown: IWMI -23.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IWMI and VXUS?
IWMI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IWMI and VXUS?
IWMI and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWMI or VXUS?
IWMI yields 13.25% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so IWMI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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