MXI vs VXUS
iShares Global Materials ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. MXI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MXI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.37% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $355M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.70% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 114 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +14.84% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.55% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.59% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.94% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MXI vs VXUS Performance
iShares Global Materials ETF (MXI) 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 MXI returned +28.55% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, MXI is up 14.84% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, MXI compounded at +14.59% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.94% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, MXI has the edge at +5.13% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MXI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -68.7% for MXI 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MXI charges 0.37% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $37 vs $5 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MXI currently yields 1.70% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MXI and VXUS share 41 holdings out of 7921 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MXI or VXUS?
MXI has an expense ratio of 0.37% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MXI or VXUS?
Over the past year MXI returned +28.55% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so MXI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MXI annualized +5.13% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MXI or VXUS?
MXI has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: MXI -68.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MXI and VXUS?
MXI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between MXI and VXUS?
MXI and VXUS share 41 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7921 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MXI or VXUS?
MXI yields 1.70% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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