ISZE vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ISZE (iShares Edge MSCI Intl Size Factor ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ISZE is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI World ex USA Risk Weighted Index, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ISZE charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

ISZE vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Edge MSCI Intl Size Factor ETF (ISZE) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ISZE

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VXUS

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: 4.68%
• YTD: 14.25%
• 6M: 16.92%
• 1Y: 32.01%
• 3Y*: 19.30%
• 5Y*: 8.46%
• 10Y*: 9.76%

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

ISZE vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ISZE iShares Edge MSCI Intl Size Factor ETF	0.00%	0.00%	-0.11%	15.54%	-15.70%	8.17%	6.07%	21.17%	-13.91%	25.13%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	14.25%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%

Correlation

The correlation between ISZE and VXUS is 0.65, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 8, 2015	0.65

The correlation between ISZE and VXUS shifts across timeframes, from 0.53 (3 years) to 0.75 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ISZE vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ISZE	VXUS
Industrials	20.0%	16.1%
Financial Services	17.3%	22.3%
Consumer Cyclical	10.7%	8.4%
Basic Materials	8.2%	7.6%
Technology	8.1%	18.1%
Consumer Defensive	7.9%	5.0%
Healthcare	7.8%	7.1%
Real Estate	6.0%	2.6%
Communication Services	5.6%	4.4%
Utilities	4.8%	3.2%
Energy	3.8%	5.2%

Return for Risk

ISZE vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 60
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 62
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

ISZE vs. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Edge MSCI Intl Size Factor ETF (ISZE) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ISZE	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.12	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.53	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.57	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	0.39	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	ISZE	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-35.97%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.27%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.58%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.44%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-0.99%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-8.22%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.88%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ISZE	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.60%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.00%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	15.21%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	16.05%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	17.16%	—

ISZE vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISZE has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISZE vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

ISZE has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.66%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ISZE iShares Edge MSCI Intl Size Factor ETF	0.00%	0.00%	1.89%	6.63%	2.72%	8.47%	1.39%	2.24%	3.04%	3.33%	3.18%	1.09%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.66%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISZE and VXUS in my portfolio?

ISZE and VXUS have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ISZE or VXUS?

On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISZE or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for ISZE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ISZE or VXUS?

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.66%, compared with 0.00% for ISZE.

What is the main difference between ISZE and VXUS?

ISZE is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while VXUS is Global Equities. ISZE tracks MSCI World ex USA Risk Weighted Index, while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for ISZE and 0.05% for VXUS.