IWN vs VXUS
iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IWN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IWN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $14.7B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.44% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 1,408 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +23.72% | +15.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.44% | +26.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.15% | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.13% | +9.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2000 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IWN vs VXUS Performance
iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) 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 IWN returned +37.44% while VXUS returned +26.78%. Year to date, IWN is up 23.72% versus a gain of 15.23% for VXUS.
Over three years, IWN compounded at +19.15% per year against +20.86% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.13% and +9.66% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IWN has the edge at +7.92% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IWN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -62.9% for IWN 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWN charges 0.24% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $5 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWN currently yields 1.44% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IWN and VXUS share 14 holdings out of 9089 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IWN or VXUS?
IWN has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $19 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWN or VXUS?
Over the past year IWN returned +37.44% vs +26.78% for VXUS, so IWN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IWN annualized +7.92% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWN or VXUS?
IWN has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IWN -62.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IWN and VXUS?
IWN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IWN and VXUS?
IWN and VXUS share 14 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9089 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWN or VXUS?
IWN yields 1.44% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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