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IXUS vs. VXUS
Performance
Return for Risk
Drawdowns
Volatility
Dividends

IXUS vs. VXUS

Last updated Aug 2, 2026
Documentation

IXUS (iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IXUS is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index (Net), while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IXUS returned 9.51%/yr vs 9.44%/yr for VXUS. Their 0.99 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. IXUS charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

IXUS vs. VXUS - 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 Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

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Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with IXUS having a 13.14% return and VXUS slightly lower at 12.75%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with IXUS having a 9.51% annualized return and VXUS not far behind at 9.44%.

IXUS

1D
-0.15%
1M
-0.19%
6M
7.11%
YTD
13.14%
1Y
27.79%
3Y*
17.41%
5Y*
8.76%
10Y*
9.51%
ALL TIME*
7.89%

VXUS

1D
-0.21%
1M
-0.29%
6M
6.78%
YTD
12.75%
1Y
27.56%
3Y*
17.23%
5Y*
8.78%
10Y*
9.44%
ALL TIME*
6.55%
*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

Liquidity Comparison

PositionAvg. Volume Value (2W)Avg. Volume Value (1M)Avg. Volume Value (3M)

IXUS

iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF
$147.19M$143.47M$175.73M

VXUS

Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
$362.62M$406.11M$507.75M

IXUS vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

2026 (YTD)202520242023202220212020201920182017
IXUS
iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF		13.14%32.40%5.19%15.83%-16.47%8.86%10.80%21.71%-14.41%28.12%
VXUS
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF		12.75%32.35%5.08%15.86%-16.08%8.98%10.66%21.75%-14.43%27.46%

Correlation

The correlation between IXUS and VXUS is 1.00 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

Correlation
Correlation (1Y)
Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.

1.00

Correlation (3Y)
Balances recent behavior with more history.

1.00

Correlation (5Y)
Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.

1.00

Correlation (10Y)
Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.

0.99

Correlation (All Time)
Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2012

0.99

The correlation between IXUS and VXUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

IXUS vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors
IXUS
VXUS

Technology

22.4%
23.7%

Financial Services

22.3%
23.2%

Industrials

14.9%
14.5%

Consumer Cyclical

7.7%
6.8%

Basic Materials

7.0%
6.6%

Healthcare

6.9%
6.8%

Consumer Defensive

5.0%
4.8%

Communication Services

4.5%
3.8%

Energy

4.3%
4.2%

Utilities

2.9%
2.9%

Real Estate

2.2%
1.7%

Technology

IXUS
22.4%
VXUS
23.7%

Financial Services

IXUS
22.3%
VXUS
23.2%

Industrials

IXUS
14.9%
VXUS
14.5%

Consumer Cyclical

IXUS
7.7%
VXUS
6.8%

Basic Materials

IXUS
7.0%
VXUS
6.6%

Healthcare

IXUS
6.9%
VXUS
6.8%

Consumer Defensive

IXUS
5.0%
VXUS
4.8%

Communication Services

IXUS
4.5%
VXUS
3.8%

Energy

IXUS
4.3%
VXUS
4.2%

Utilities

IXUS
2.9%
VXUS
2.9%

Real Estate

IXUS
2.2%
VXUS
1.7%

Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs

Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.

iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF

Vanguard Total International Stock ETF

Often compared with IXUS:
IXUS vs. ITOTIXUS vs. VEAIXUS vs. SCHFIXUS vs. ACWXIXUS vs. IEFAIXUS vs. IEMGIXUS vs. IDEV
Often compared with VXUS:
VXUS vs. VTIVXUS vs. VOOVXUS vs. VTVXUS vs. VEAVXUS vs. FZILXVXUS vs. VEUVXUS vs. SCHF

Return for Risk

IXUS vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.
IXUS
IXUS Risk / Return Rank: 7171
Overall Rank
IXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7171
Sharpe Ratio Rank
IXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 6969
Sortino Ratio Rank
IXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 7272
Omega Ratio Rank
IXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 7070
Calmar Ratio Rank
IXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 7272
Martin Ratio Rank
VXUS
VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 7171
Overall Rank
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7272
Sharpe Ratio Rank
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 6969
Sortino Ratio Rank
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 7272
Omega Ratio Rank
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 7171
Calmar Ratio Rank
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 7272
Martin Ratio Rank
The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

IXUS vs. VXUS - 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 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.

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.

IXUSVXUSDifference
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility
1.61
1.62

-0.01

Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk
2.23
2.24

-0.01

Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability

1.30

1.30

0.00

Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown

2.41

2.42

-0.01

Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown

8.87

8.87

0.00

IXUS vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IXUS Sharpe Ratio is 1.61, which is comparable to the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 1.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IXUS and VXUS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

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Drawdowns

IXUS vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IXUS drawdown since its inception was -36.22%, roughly equal to the maximum VXUS drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IXUS and VXUS.

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Drawdown Indicators

IXUSVXUSDifference

Max Drawdown

Largest peak-to-trough decline

-36.22%

-35.97%

-0.25%

Max Drawdown (1Y)

Largest decline over 1 year

-11.36%

-11.27%

-0.09%

Max Drawdown (3Y)

Largest decline over 3 years

-13.75%

-13.58%

-0.17%

Max Drawdown (5Y)

Largest decline over 5 years

-30.03%

-29.44%

-0.59%

Max Drawdown (10Y)

Largest decline over 10 years

-36.22%

-35.97%

-0.25%

Current Drawdown

Current decline from peak

-2.73%

-2.84%

+0.11%

Average Drawdown

Average peak-to-trough decline

-7.45%

-8.16%

+0.71%

Ulcer Index

Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks

3.08%

3.07%

+0.01%

Volatility

IXUS vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) have volatilities of 5.36% and 5.29%, 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.

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Volatility by Period

IXUSVXUSDifference

Volatility (1M)

Calculated over the trailing 1-month period

5.36%

5.29%

+0.07%

Volatility (6M)

Calculated over the trailing 6-month period

15.27%

15.06%

+0.21%

Volatility (1Y)

Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

17.08%

16.86%

+0.22%

Volatility (5Y)

Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized

16.52%

16.35%

+0.17%

Volatility (10Y)

Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized

16.97%

17.03%

-0.06%

IXUS vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

IXUS has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% 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. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

IXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.97%, more than VXUS's 2.59% yield.

PositionTTM20252024202320222021202020192018201720162015
IXUS
iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF		2.97%3.24%3.33%3.13%2.48%3.12%1.85%3.09%3.00%2.41%2.58%2.81%
VXUS
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF		2.59%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

With a correlation of 1.00, IXUS and VXUS 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.

IXUS has higher volatility (5.36%) compared to VXUS (5.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IXUS dropped -36.22% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

On 10-year performance, IXUS leads with 9.51% vs 9.44% for VXUS. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Over the 10-year period, IXUS has performed better with a 9.51% return vs 9.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.07% for IXUS.

IXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.97%, compared with 2.59% for VXUS.

IXUS is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while VXUS is Global Equities. IXUS tracks MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index (Net), while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for IXUS and 0.05% for VXUS.

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.62 vs 1.61), 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.

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