IYE vs VXUS
IYE vs VXUS
iShares US Energy ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IYE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IYE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.36% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +27.40% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.69% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.86% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.97% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 12, 2000 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IYE vs VXUS Performance
iShares US Energy ETF (IYE) 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 IYE returned +39.69% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IYE is up 27.40% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, IYE compounded at +12.86% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +21.97% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IYE has the edge at +5.62% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IYE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.9% 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 -78.1% for IYE 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IYE charges 0.38% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $5 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IYE currently yields 2.36% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IYE and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7901 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IYE | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM | 0.36% | 0.02% | 0.34% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IYE or VXUS?
IYE has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IYE or VXUS?
Over the past year IYE returned +39.69% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so IYE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IYE annualized +5.62% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IYE or VXUS?
IYE has been the more volatile fund at 24.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IYE -78.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IYE and VXUS?
IYE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IYE and VXUS?
IYE and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7901 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IYE or VXUS?
IYE yields 2.36% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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