IXUS vs. IFRA

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IXUS (iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF) and IFRA (iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IXUS is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index (Net), while IFRA is a Industrials Equities fund tracking the NYSE FactSet U.S. Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IXUS returned 8.24%/yr vs 13.16%/yr for IFRA. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IXUS charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for IFRA.

Performance

IXUS vs. IFRA - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IXUS achieves a 13.86% return, which is significantly lower than IFRA's 18.48% return.

IXUS

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: 3.19%
• YTD: 13.86%
• 6M: 15.66%
• 1Y: 30.13%
• 3Y*: 18.44%
• 5Y*: 8.24%
• 10Y*: 10.23%

IFRA

• 1D: 1.29%
• 1M: 2.41%
• YTD: 18.48%
• 6M: 17.32%
• 1Y: 31.06%
• 3Y*: 19.49%
• 5Y*: 13.16%
• 10Y*: —

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

IXUS vs. IFRA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
IXUS iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF	13.86%	32.40%	5.19%	15.83%	-16.47%	8.86%	10.80%	21.71%	-13.95%
IFRA iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF	18.48%	15.90%	17.02%	13.42%	-3.32%	29.81%	7.37%	27.00%	-7.97%

Correlation

The correlation between IXUS and IFRA is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 5, 2018	0.67

The correlation between IXUS and IFRA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

IXUS vs. IFRA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IXUS	IFRA
Technology	24.0%	-
Financial Services	22.9%	-
Industrials	13.9%	39.4%
Consumer Cyclical	7.1%	0.0%
Basic Materials	7.0%	14.7%
Healthcare	6.4%	-
Energy	4.8%	7.9%
Communication Services	4.6%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.6%	0.0%
Utilities	2.7%	37.7%
Real Estate	1.2%	-

Return for Risk

IXUS vs. IFRA — Risk / Return Rank

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

IXUS

IXUS Risk / Return Rank: 60
IXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
IXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
IXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 62
IXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
IXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 62

IFRA

IFRA Risk / Return Rank: 73
IFRA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
IFRA Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
IFRA Omega Ratio Rank: 63
IFRA Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
IFRA Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

IXUS vs. IFRA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) and iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF (IFRA). 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.

	IXUS	IFRA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	1.97	-0.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.43	2.89	-0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.33	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.51	3.55	-1.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.67	12.99	-3.32

IXUS vs. IFRA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IXUS Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is comparable to the IFRA Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IXUS and IFRA, 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

IXUS vs. IFRA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IXUS drawdown since its inception was -36.22%, smaller than the maximum IFRA drawdown of -41.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IXUS and IFRA.

Drawdown Indicators

	IXUS	IFRA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.22%	-41.06%	+4.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.36%	-8.40%	-2.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.75%	-19.93%	+6.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.03%	-19.93%	-10.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.22%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.57%	-1.30%	-0.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.49%	-5.13%	-2.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.95%	2.30%	+0.65%

Volatility

IXUS vs. IFRA - Volatility Comparison

iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) has a higher volatility of 6.88% compared to iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF (IFRA) at 5.38%. This indicates that IXUS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IFRA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IXUS	IFRA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.88%	5.38%	+1.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.23%	11.69%	+2.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.29%	15.13%	+1.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.38%	17.98%	-1.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.12%	21.37%	-4.25%

IXUS vs. IFRA - Expense Ratio Comparison

IXUS has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than IFRA's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

IXUS vs. IFRA - Dividend Comparison

IXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.84%, more than IFRA's 1.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IFRA iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF	1.57%	1.84%	1.75%	1.98%	1.98%	1.63%	2.08%	1.68%	2.50%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IXUS iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF	2.84%	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 IXUS and IFRA in my portfolio?

IXUS and IFRA have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IXUS or IFRA?

IXUS has higher volatility (6.88%) compared to IFRA (5.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IXUS dropped -36.22% vs IFRA's -41.06%.

Which ETF is better, IXUS or IFRA?

On 5-year performance, IFRA leads with 13.16% vs 8.24% for IXUS. On fees, IXUS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, IFRA has been the lower-risk option at 5.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IXUS or IFRA?

Over the 5-year period, IFRA has performed better with a 13.16% return vs 8.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IXUS or IFRA?

IXUS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for IFRA.

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

IXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.84%, compared with 1.57% for IFRA.

What is the main difference between IXUS and IFRA?

IXUS is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while IFRA is Industrials Equities. IXUS tracks MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index (Net), while IFRA tracks NYSE FactSet U.S. Infrastructure Index. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for IXUS and 0.30% for IFRA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IFRA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.75), 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.