IYW vs VXUS
iShares US Technology ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, IYW or VXUS?
Large Cap Growth against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IYW led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IYW | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $24.7B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.10% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 153 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +25.25%Best | +12.21% |
| 1Y Return | +31.79%Best | +19.22% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.52%Best | +19.10% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.72%Best | +8.63% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.2% | 15.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -39.4%Best | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $23,584Best | $15,127 |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Growth | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 28, 2011 to Sep 16, 2026 (15.6 years).
IYW vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
IYW vs VXUS Performance
iShares US Technology ETF (IYW) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IYW returned +31.79% while VXUS returned +19.22%. Year to date, IYW is up 25.25% versus a gain of 12.21% for VXUS.
Over three years, IYW compounded at +32.52% per year against +19.10% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +18.72% and +8.63% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IYW has the edge at +19.07% annualized vs +4.69%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IYW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.2% compared with 15.0% 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 -39.4% for IYW and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IYW 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, IYW currently yields 0.10% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 150 holdings in IYW and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 100.0% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 150 positions we hold weights for in IYW and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 153 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IYW and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IYW or VXUS?
IYW has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $33 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IYW or VXUS?
Over the past year IYW returned +31.79% vs +19.22% for VXUS, so IYW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IYW annualized +19.07% vs +4.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IYW or VXUS?
IYW has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IYW -39.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IYW and VXUS?
IYW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, IYW or VXUS?
IYW yields 0.10% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than IYW?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IYW led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.