IXUS vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

IXUS (iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - IXUS tracks the MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index (Net) while VEA tracks the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IXUS returned 10.05%/yr vs 10.46%/yr for VEA. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IXUS charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

IXUS vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with IXUS having a 16.05% return and VEA slightly higher at 16.56%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with IXUS having a 10.05% annualized return and VEA not far ahead at 10.46%.

IXUS

• 1D: 1.30%
• 1M: 3.26%
• YTD: 16.05%
• 6M: 17.08%
• 1Y: 34.29%
• 3Y*: 18.76%
• 5Y*: 9.28%
• 10Y*: 10.05%

VEA

• 1D: 0.96%
• 1M: 3.17%
• YTD: 16.56%
• 6M: 17.75%
• 1Y: 35.27%
• 3Y*: 19.30%
• 5Y*: 10.55%
• 10Y*: 10.46%

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

IXUS vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IXUS iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF	16.05%	32.40%	5.19%	15.83%	-16.47%	8.86%	10.80%	21.71%	-14.41%	28.12%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	16.56%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between IXUS and VEA is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2012	0.97

The correlation between IXUS and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

IXUS vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IXUS	VEA
Technology	30.5%	16.6%
Financial Services	23.8%	22.3%
Industrials	11.3%	17.5%
Healthcare	6.5%	7.6%
Consumer Cyclical	5.6%	7.4%
Basic Materials	5.0%	7.5%
Energy	4.4%	4.7%
Communication Services	4.2%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	5.5%
Utilities	1.9%	3.0%
Real Estate	0.2%	2.5%

Return for Risk

IXUS vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

IXUS

IXUS Risk / Return Rank: 65
IXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
IXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
IXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 68
IXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
IXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 65

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 65
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.06	2.08	-0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.81	2.84	-0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.38	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.95	2.95	-0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.35	11.39	-0.04

IXUS vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IXUS Sharpe Ratio is 2.06, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 2.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IXUS and VEA, 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. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IXUS drawdown since its inception was -36.22%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IXUS and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	IXUS	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.22%	-60.68%	+24.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.36%	-11.63%	+0.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.75%	-13.45%	-0.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.03%	-29.71%	-0.32%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.22%	-35.73%	-0.49%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.49%	-13.26%	+5.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.94%	3.01%	-0.07%

Volatility

IXUS vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) have volatilities of 6.60% and 6.51%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IXUS	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.60%	6.51%	+0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.32%	14.42%	-0.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.27%	16.51%	-0.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.39%	16.71%	-0.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.13%	17.40%	-0.27%

IXUS vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

IXUS has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% 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. VEA - Dividend Comparison

IXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.89%, less than VEA's 3.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IXUS iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF	2.89%	3.24%	3.33%	3.13%	2.48%	3.12%	1.85%	3.09%	3.00%	2.41%	2.58%	2.81%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.51%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IXUS and VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, IXUS and VEA 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, IXUS or VEA?

IXUS has higher volatility (6.60%) compared to VEA (6.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IXUS dropped -36.22% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, IXUS or VEA?

On 10-year performance, VEA leads with 10.46% vs 10.05% for IXUS. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IXUS or VEA?

Over the 10-year period, VEA has performed better with a 10.46% 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 VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.07% for IXUS.

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

IXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.89%, compared with 2.51% for VEA.

What is the main difference between IXUS and VEA?

IXUS tracks MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index (Net), while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for IXUS and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.08 vs 2.06), 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.