IXUS vs. IJR

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IXUS (iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF) and IJR (iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IXUS is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index (Net), while IJR is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IXUS returned 10.23%/yr vs 11.16%/yr for IJR. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IXUS charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for IJR.

Performance

IXUS vs. IJR - 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 Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR). 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 IJR's 19.73% return. Over the past 10 years, IXUS has underperformed IJR with an annualized return of 10.23%, while IJR has yielded a comparatively higher 11.16% annualized return.

IXUS

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: 0.85%
• YTD: 13.86%
• 6M: 15.66%
• 1Y: 30.13%
• 3Y*: 18.44%
• 5Y*: 8.24%
• 10Y*: 10.23%

IJR

• 1D: 0.97%
• 1M: 5.53%
• YTD: 19.73%
• 6M: 16.47%
• 1Y: 37.01%
• 3Y*: 14.75%
• 5Y*: 6.25%
• 10Y*: 11.16%

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

IXUS vs. IJR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IXUS iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF	13.86%	32.40%	5.19%	15.83%	-16.47%	8.86%	10.80%	21.71%	-14.41%	28.12%
IJR iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF	19.73%	5.89%	8.63%	16.06%	-16.20%	26.58%	11.28%	22.82%	-8.51%	13.15%

Correlation

The correlation between IXUS and IJR is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2012	0.71

The correlation between IXUS and IJR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

IXUS vs. IJR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IXUS	IJR
Technology	24.0%	15.9%
Financial Services	22.9%	16.0%
Industrials	13.9%	16.0%
Consumer Cyclical	7.1%	12.5%
Basic Materials	7.0%	4.7%
Healthcare	6.4%	11.0%
Energy	4.8%	6.8%
Communication Services	4.6%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	4.6%	3.2%
Utilities	2.7%	1.9%
Real Estate	1.2%	7.5%

Return for Risk

IXUS vs. IJR — 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

IJR

IJR Risk / Return Rank: 74
IJR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
IJR Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
IJR Omega Ratio Rank: 64
IJR Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
IJR Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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. IJR - 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 Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR). 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	IJR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	1.94	-0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.43	2.80	-0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.33	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.51	3.97	-1.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.67	13.35	-3.68

IXUS vs. IJR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IXUS Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is comparable to the IJR Sharpe Ratio of 1.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IXUS and IJR, 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. IJR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IXUS drawdown since its inception was -36.22%, smaller than the maximum IJR drawdown of -58.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IXUS and IJR.

Drawdown Indicators

	IXUS	IJR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.22%	-58.15%	+21.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.36%	-8.68%	-2.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.75%	-28.02%	+14.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.03%	-28.02%	-2.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.22%	-44.36%	+8.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.57%	0.00%	-1.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.49%	-9.27%	+1.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.95%	2.59%	+0.36%

Volatility

IXUS vs. IJR - Volatility Comparison

iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) has a higher volatility of 6.88% compared to iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) at 5.18%. This indicates that IXUS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IJR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IXUS	IJR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.88%	5.18%	+1.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.23%	11.97%	+2.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.29%	17.76%	-1.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.38%	21.43%	-5.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.12%	22.92%	-5.80%

IXUS vs. IJR - Expense Ratio Comparison

IXUS has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is higher than IJR's 0.06% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IXUS vs. IJR - Dividend Comparison

IXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.84%, more than IJR's 1.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IJR iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF	1.11%	1.44%	2.05%	1.31%	1.41%	1.53%	1.11%	1.44%	1.58%	1.20%	1.22%	1.48%
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 IJR in my portfolio?

IXUS and IJR have a correlation of 0.71, 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 IJR?

IXUS has higher volatility (6.88%) compared to IJR (5.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IXUS dropped -36.22% vs IJR's -58.15%.

Which ETF is better, IXUS or IJR?

On 10-year performance, IJR leads with 11.16% vs 10.23% for IXUS. On fees, IJR is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, IJR has been the lower-risk option at 5.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IXUS or IJR?

Over the 10-year period, IJR has performed better with a 11.16% return vs 10.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IXUS or IJR?

IJR is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.07% for IXUS.

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

IXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.84%, compared with 1.11% for IJR.

What is the main difference between IXUS and IJR?

IXUS is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while IJR is Small Cap Blend Equities. IXUS tracks MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index (Net), while IJR tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for IXUS and 0.06% for IJR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IJR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 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.