IXC vs VXUS
IXC vs VXUS
iShares Global Energy ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IXC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IXC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.7B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.20% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 66 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +26.86% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.84% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.99% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.51% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2001 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IXC vs VXUS Performance
iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC) 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 IXC returned +39.84% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IXC is up 26.86% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, IXC compounded at +14.99% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +21.51% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IXC has the edge at +6.14% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IXC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% 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 -76.1% for IXC 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IXC charges 0.40% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $5 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IXC currently yields 3.20% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IXC and VXUS share 23 holdings out of 7888 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IXC | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHEL:LN | 6.77% | 0.54% | 6.23% |
| TTE:PA | 4.99% | 0.33% | 4.66% |
| ENB:AQL | 3.61% | 0.26% | 3.35% |
| BP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CNQ:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SU:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TRP:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ENI:MI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CCO:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WPPL:PL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IXC shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IXC or VXUS?
IXC has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IXC or VXUS?
Over the past year IXC returned +39.84% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so IXC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IXC annualized +6.14% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IXC or VXUS?
IXC has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IXC -76.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IXC and VXUS?
IXC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IXC and VXUS?
IXC and VXUS share 23 common holdings with a 2.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7888 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IXC or VXUS?
IXC yields 3.20% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so IXC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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