IYZ vs VXUS
iShares US Telecommunications ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IYZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IYZ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.66% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 28 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +28.06% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +45.26% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.16% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.41% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 22, 2000 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IYZ vs VXUS Performance
iShares US Telecommunications ETF (IYZ) 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 IYZ returned +45.26% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, IYZ is up 28.06% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, IYZ compounded at +27.16% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.41% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +0.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IYZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% 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 -72.5% for IYZ 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
IYZ 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, IYZ currently yields 1.66% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IYZ and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7886 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IYZ or VXUS?
IYZ 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, IYZ or VXUS?
Over the past year IYZ returned +45.26% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so IYZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IYZ annualized +0.88% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IYZ or VXUS?
IYZ has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IYZ -72.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IYZ and VXUS?
IYZ 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 IYZ and VXUS?
IYZ and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7886 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IYZ or VXUS?
IYZ yields 1.66% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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