VXUS vs. IWMI

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) and IWMI (NEOS Russell 2000 High Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, while IWMI is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Neos. VXUS is passively managed, while IWMI is actively managed. Over the past year, VXUS returned 34.05% vs 37.32% for IWMI. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VXUS charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for IWMI.

Performance

VXUS vs. IWMI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and NEOS Russell 2000 High Income ETF (IWMI). 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 VXUS having a 15.66% return and IWMI slightly higher at 16.41%.

VXUS

• 1D: 1.17%
• 1M: 3.20%
• YTD: 15.66%
• 6M: 16.85%
• 1Y: 34.05%
• 3Y*: 18.62%
• 5Y*: 9.33%
• 10Y*: 10.00%

IWMI

• 1D: 1.72%
• 1M: 3.75%
• YTD: 16.41%
• 6M: 14.83%
• 1Y: 37.32%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VXUS vs. IWMI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	15.66%	32.35%	-0.51%
IWMI NEOS Russell 2000 High Income ETF	16.41%	14.97%	6.58%

Correlation

The correlation between VXUS and IWMI is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 25, 2024	0.69

The correlation between VXUS and IWMI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

VXUS vs. IWMI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VXUS	IWMI
Financial Services	21.7%	15.7%
Technology	21.0%	17.0%
Industrials	15.6%	17.7%
Consumer Cyclical	8.2%	8.4%
Basic Materials	7.6%	4.8%
Healthcare	6.8%	16.5%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	2.4%
Energy	4.7%	6.1%
Communication Services	4.4%	2.4%
Utilities	3.0%	2.9%
Real Estate	2.4%	6.1%

Return for Risk

VXUS vs. IWMI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 65
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 65

IWMI

IWMI Risk / Return Rank: 82
IWMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
IWMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
IWMI Omega Ratio Rank: 76
IWMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
IWMI Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

VXUS vs. IWMI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and NEOS Russell 2000 High Income ETF (IWMI). 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.

	VXUS	IWMI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.06	2.42	-0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.81	3.33	-0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.42	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.94	4.43	-1.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.32	18.24	-6.92

VXUS vs. IWMI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VXUS Sharpe Ratio is 2.06, which is comparable to the IWMI Sharpe Ratio of 2.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VXUS and IWMI, 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

VXUS vs. IWMI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VXUS drawdown since its inception was -35.97%, which is greater than IWMI's maximum drawdown of -23.88%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VXUS and IWMI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VXUS	IWMI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.97%	-23.88%	-12.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.27%	-8.40%	-2.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.58%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.44%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.97%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.20%	-4.04%	-4.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.92%	2.03%	+0.89%

Volatility

VXUS vs. IWMI - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a higher volatility of 6.45% compared to NEOS Russell 2000 High Income ETF (IWMI) at 5.41%. This indicates that VXUS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IWMI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VXUS	IWMI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.45%	5.41%	+1.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.12%	11.46%	+2.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.07%	15.38%	+0.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.22%	17.97%	-1.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.20%	17.97%	-0.77%

VXUS vs. IWMI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VXUS has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than IWMI's 0.68% expense ratio.

Dividends

VXUS vs. IWMI - Dividend Comparison

VXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.08%, less than IWMI's 14.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWMI NEOS Russell 2000 High Income ETF	14.51%	14.05%	8.78%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.52%	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

Can I hold both VXUS and IWMI in my portfolio?

VXUS and IWMI have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VXUS or IWMI?

VXUS has higher volatility (6.45%) compared to IWMI (5.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VXUS dropped -35.97% vs IWMI's -23.88%.

Which ETF is better, VXUS or IWMI?

On 1-year performance, IWMI leads with 37.32% vs 34.05% for VXUS. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, IWMI has been the lower-risk option at 5.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VXUS or IWMI?

Over the 1-year period, IWMI has performed better with a 37.32% return vs 34.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VXUS or IWMI?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for IWMI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VXUS or IWMI?

IWMI has the higher dividend yield at 14.51%, compared with 2.52% for VXUS.

What is the main difference between VXUS and IWMI?

VXUS is categorized as Global Equities, while IWMI is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Neos. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VXUS and 0.68% for IWMI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWMI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 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.