IDEV vs. IXUS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

IDEV (iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF) and IXUS (iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from iShares - IDEV tracks the MSCI World ex USA Investable Market Index while IXUS tracks the MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IDEV returned 9.19%/yr vs 9.16%/yr for IXUS. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IDEV charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for IXUS.

Performance

IDEV vs. IXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF (IDEV) and iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IDEV achieves a 10.38% return, which is significantly lower than IXUS's 16.32% return.

IDEV

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 1.58%
• YTD: 10.38%
• 6M: 10.58%
• 1Y: 26.25%
• 3Y*: 18.20%
• 5Y*: 9.19%
• 10Y*: —

IXUS

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: 3.64%
• YTD: 16.32%
• 6M: 16.81%
• 1Y: 34.59%
• 3Y*: 20.26%
• 5Y*: 9.16%
• 10Y*: 10.55%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

IDEV vs. IXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IDEV iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF	10.38%	32.56%	4.54%	17.36%	-14.99%	13.00%	8.32%	23.12%	-14.10%	17.43%
IXUS iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF	16.32%	32.40%	5.19%	15.83%	-16.47%	8.86%	10.80%	21.71%	-14.41%	18.48%

Correlation

The correlation between IDEV and IXUS is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 23, 2017	0.96

The correlation between IDEV and IXUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

IDEV vs. IXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IDEV	IXUS
Financial Services	24.0%	23.8%
Industrials	18.8%	11.3%
Technology	11.1%	30.5%
Healthcare	8.5%	6.5%
Basic Materials	8.3%	5.0%
Consumer Cyclical	7.7%	5.6%
Consumer Defensive	5.8%	3.9%
Energy	5.4%	4.4%
Communication Services	4.3%	4.2%
Utilities	3.4%	1.9%
Real Estate	2.7%	0.2%

Return for Risk

IDEV vs. IXUS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

IDEV

IDEV Risk / Return Rank: 52
IDEV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
IDEV Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
IDEV Omega Ratio Rank: 52
IDEV Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
IDEV Martin Ratio Rank: 55

IXUS

IXUS Risk / Return Rank: 67
IXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
IXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
IXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 70
IXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
IXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 66

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

IDEV vs. IXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF (IDEV) and iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	IDEV	IXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	2.14	-0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	2.90	-0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.40	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.35	3.06	-0.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.21	11.79	-2.58

IDEV vs. IXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IDEV Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the IXUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IDEV and IXUS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

IDEV vs. IXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IDEV drawdown since its inception was -34.77%, roughly equal to the maximum IXUS drawdown of -36.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IDEV and IXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	IDEV	IXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.77%	-36.22%	+1.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.20%	-11.36%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.41%	-13.75%	+0.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.15%	-30.03%	+0.88%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.22%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.13%	0.00%	-0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.53%	-7.48%	+0.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.86%	2.94%	-0.08%

Volatility

IDEV vs. IXUS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF (IDEV) is 4.70%, while iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) has a volatility of 6.43%. This indicates that IDEV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IDEV	IXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.70%	6.43%	-1.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.69%	14.30%	-1.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.97%	16.28%	-1.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.33%	16.39%	-0.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.28%	17.10%	+0.18%

IDEV vs. IXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

IDEV has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than IXUS's 0.07% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IDEV vs. IXUS - Dividend Comparison

IDEV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.20%, more than IXUS's 2.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IDEV iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF	3.20%	3.40%	3.30%	3.07%	2.69%	3.05%	2.00%	3.18%	3.16%	1.54%	0.00%	0.00%
IXUS iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF	2.88%	3.24%	3.33%	3.13%	2.48%	3.12%	1.85%	3.09%	3.00%	2.41%	2.58%	2.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IDEV and IXUS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, IDEV and IXUS move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, IDEV or IXUS?

IXUS has higher volatility (6.43%) compared to IDEV (4.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IDEV dropped -34.77% vs IXUS's -36.22%.

Which ETF is better, IDEV or IXUS?

On 5-year performance, IDEV leads with 9.19% vs 9.16% for IXUS. On fees, IDEV is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, IDEV has been the lower-risk option at 4.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IDEV or IXUS?

Over the 5-year period, IDEV has performed better with a 9.19% return vs 9.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IDEV or IXUS?

IDEV is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.07% for IXUS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IDEV or IXUS?

IDEV has the higher dividend yield at 3.20%, compared with 2.88% for IXUS.

What is the main difference between IDEV and IXUS?

IDEV tracks MSCI World ex USA Investable Market Index, while IXUS tracks MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index (Net). Their fees differ too: 0.05% for IDEV and 0.07% for IXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 1.76), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.