IWMW vs VXUS
iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite 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 | IWMW | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $57M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 21.44% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.32% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.60% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 14, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IWMW vs VXUS Performance
iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite ETF (IWMW) 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 IWMW returned +10.60% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, IWMW is up 2.32% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.3% for IWMW. 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 -21.8% for IWMW 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWMW charges 0.39% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $5 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWMW currently yields 21.44% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IWMW and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7863 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, IWMW or VXUS?
IWMW has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWMW or VXUS?
Over the past year IWMW returned +10.60% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IWMW annualized +6.27% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWMW or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.3% for IWMW. Worst drawdown: IWMW -21.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IWMW and VXUS?
IWMW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IWMW and VXUS?
IWMW and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7863 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWMW or VXUS?
IWMW yields 21.44% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so IWMW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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