IZRL vs VXUS
ARK Israel Innovative Technology 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IZRL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $137M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.63% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 67 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -2.36% | +15.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.32% | +27.46% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.17% | +20.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.96% | +8.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.4% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 4, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IZRL vs VXUS Performance
ARK Israel Innovative Technology ETF (IZRL) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IZRL returned +7.32% while VXUS returned +27.46%. Year to date, IZRL is down 2.36% versus a gain of 15.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, IZRL compounded at +15.17% per year against +20.30% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.96% and +8.96% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, IZRL has the edge at +5.15% annualized vs +4.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IZRL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.4% 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 -60.0% for IZRL 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IZRL charges 0.49% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $5 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IZRL currently yields 2.63% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IZRL and VXUS share 20 holdings out of 8139 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IZRL or VXUS?
IZRL has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IZRL or VXUS?
Over the past year IZRL returned +7.32% vs +27.46% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), IZRL annualized +5.15% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IZRL or VXUS?
IZRL has been the more volatile fund at 23.4% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IZRL -60.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IZRL and VXUS?
IZRL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IZRL and VXUS?
IZRL and VXUS share 20 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8139 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IZRL or VXUS?
IZRL yields 2.63% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so IZRL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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