IYK vs VXUS
iShares US Consumer Staples 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 | IYK | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.61% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 57 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.73% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.64% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.30% | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.02% | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 12, 2000 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IYK vs VXUS Performance
iShares US Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) 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 IYK returned +8.64% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, IYK is up 12.73% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Over three years, IYK compounded at +6.30% per year against +19.85% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.02% and +9.23% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IYK has the edge at +7.18% annualized vs +4.89%. 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 13.1% for IYK. 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 -44.1% for IYK 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IYK 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, IYK currently yields 2.61% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IYK or VXUS?
IYK 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, IYK or VXUS?
Over the past year IYK returned +8.64% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IYK annualized +7.18% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IYK or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.1% for IYK. Worst drawdown: IYK -44.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IYK and VXUS?
IYK and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IYK and VXUS?
IYK and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7913 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IYK or VXUS?
IYK yields 2.61% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so IYK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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