IXUS vs. IXC

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IXUS (iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF) and IXC (iShares Global Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IXUS is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index (Net), while IXC is a Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P Global 1200 Energy Capped Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IXUS returned 10.23%/yr vs 10.05%/yr for IXC. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IXUS charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for IXC.

Performance

IXUS vs. IXC - 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 Global Energy ETF (IXC). 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 IXC's 29.17% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with IXUS having a 10.23% annualized return and IXC not far behind at 10.05%.

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%

IXC

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: -3.42%
• YTD: 29.17%
• 6M: 28.84%
• 1Y: 36.66%
• 3Y*: 17.43%
• 5Y*: 19.14%
• 10Y*: 10.05%

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

IXUS vs. IXC - 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%
IXC iShares Global Energy ETF	29.17%	13.98%	1.95%	3.92%	48.51%	40.88%	-31.00%	12.67%	-14.85%	5.54%

Correlation

The correlation between IXUS and IXC is 0.00, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.28
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.40
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2012	0.59

Over the past year, the correlation between IXUS and IXC has dropped to 0.00 - well below their long-term average of 0.59, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

IXUS vs. IXC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IXUS	IXC
Technology	24.0%	-
Financial Services	22.9%	-
Industrials	13.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	7.1%	-
Basic Materials	7.0%	-
Healthcare	6.4%	-
Energy	4.8%	100.0%
Communication Services	4.6%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.6%	-
Utilities	2.7%	-
Real Estate	1.2%	-

Return for Risk

IXUS vs. IXC — 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

IXC

IXC Risk / Return Rank: 73
IXC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
IXC Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
IXC Omega Ratio Rank: 67
IXC Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
IXC Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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. IXC - 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 Global Energy ETF (IXC). 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	IXC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	2.08	-0.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.43	2.70	-0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.34	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.51	4.05	-1.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.67	11.55	-1.88

IXUS vs. IXC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IXUS Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is comparable to the IXC Sharpe Ratio of 2.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IXUS and IXC, 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. IXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IXUS drawdown since its inception was -36.22%, smaller than the maximum IXC drawdown of -67.88%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IXUS and IXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	IXUS	IXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.22%	-67.88%	+31.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.36%	-9.66%	-1.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.75%	-19.06%	+5.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.03%	-24.93%	-5.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.22%	-64.16%	+27.94%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.57%	-7.04%	+5.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.49%	-17.47%	+9.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.95%	3.38%	-0.43%

Volatility

IXUS vs. IXC - Volatility Comparison

iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) has a higher volatility of 6.88% compared to iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC) at 6.44%. This indicates that IXUS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IXC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IXUS	IXC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.88%	6.44%	+0.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.23%	15.63%	-1.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.29%	18.79%	-2.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.38%	23.53%	-7.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.12%	26.84%	-9.72%

IXUS vs. IXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

IXUS has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than IXC's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

IXUS vs. IXC - Dividend Comparison

IXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.84%, which matches IXC's 2.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IXC iShares Global Energy ETF	2.85%	3.68%	4.56%	3.45%	4.76%	3.98%	4.86%	7.00%	3.51%	3.05%	2.86%	3.77%
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 IXC in my portfolio?

IXUS and IXC have a correlation of 0.00, 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 IXC?

IXUS has higher volatility (6.88%) compared to IXC (6.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IXUS dropped -36.22% vs IXC's -67.88%.

Which ETF is better, IXUS or IXC?

On 10-year performance, IXUS leads with 10.23% vs 10.05% for IXC. On fees, IXUS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, IXC has been the lower-risk option at 6.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IXUS or IXC?

Over the 10-year period, IXUS has performed better with a 10.23% return vs 10.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IXUS or IXC?

IXUS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for IXC.

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

IXUS and IXC have nearly identical dividend yields, around 2.84%.

What is the main difference between IXUS and IXC?

IXUS is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while IXC is Energy Equities. IXUS tracks MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index (Net), while IXC tracks S&P Global 1200 Energy Capped Index. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for IXUS and 0.40% for IXC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IXC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.08 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.