PICK vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. PICK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PICK | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.26% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 288 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +21.54% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +65.13% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.08% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.11% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PICK vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (PICK) 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 PICK returned +65.13% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PICK is up 21.54% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, PICK compounded at +19.08% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.11% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, PICK has the edge at +5.51% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PICK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.2% 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 -80.4% for PICK 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PICK charges 0.39% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $5 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PICK currently yields 2.26% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PICK and VXUS share 130 holdings out of 7980 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PICK or VXUS?
PICK has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PICK or VXUS?
Over the past year PICK returned +65.13% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so PICK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), PICK annualized +5.51% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PICK or VXUS?
PICK has been the more volatile fund at 27.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PICK -80.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PICK and VXUS?
PICK and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PICK and VXUS?
PICK and VXUS share 130 common holdings with a 2.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7980 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PICK or VXUS?
PICK yields 2.26% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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