IYH vs VXUS
IYH vs VXUS
iShares US Healthcare ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IYH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IYH | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.19% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.70% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.43% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.67% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.21% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 12, 2000 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IYH vs VXUS Performance
iShares US Healthcare ETF (IYH) 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 IYH returned +30.43% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IYH is up 7.70% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, IYH compounded at +8.67% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.21% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IYH has the edge at +7.03% 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 13.7% for IYH. 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 -43.5% for IYH 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IYH 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, IYH currently yields 1.19% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IYH and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7961 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 IYH | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| QGEN:AS | 0.13% | 0.02% | 0.11% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IYH or VXUS?
IYH 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, IYH or VXUS?
Over the past year IYH returned +30.43% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so IYH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IYH annualized +7.03% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IYH or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.7% for IYH. Worst drawdown: IYH -43.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IYH and VXUS?
IYH and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IYH and VXUS?
IYH and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7961 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IYH or VXUS?
IYH yields 1.19% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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