IXJ vs VXUS
IXJ vs VXUS
iShares Global Healthcare 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 | IXJ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $4.1B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.47% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 125 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +5.58% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.49% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.38% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.75% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 13, 2001 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IXJ vs VXUS Performance
iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) 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 IXJ returned +25.49% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IXJ is up 5.58% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, IXJ compounded at +7.38% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.75% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IXJ has the edge at +6.12% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 13.2% for IXJ. 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 -42.8% for IXJ 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IXJ 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, IXJ currently yields 1.47% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IXJ and VXUS share 26 holdings out of 7944 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IXJ | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AZN:LN | 3.72% | 0.71% | 3.01% |
| NOVN:SM | 3.62% | 0.73% | 2.89% |
| GSK:LN | 1.37% | 0.27% | 1.10% |
| BAYN:SG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 7741:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LONN:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HLN:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GALD:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SDZ:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UCB:BR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IXJ 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, IXJ or VXUS?
IXJ 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, IXJ or VXUS?
Over the past year IXJ returned +25.49% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IXJ annualized +6.12% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IXJ or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.2% for IXJ. Worst drawdown: IXJ -42.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IXJ and VXUS?
IXJ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IXJ and VXUS?
IXJ and VXUS share 26 common holdings with a 3.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7944 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IXJ or VXUS?
IXJ yields 1.47% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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