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VXUS vs. IXUS
Performance
Return for Risk
Drawdowns
Volatility
Dividends

VXUS vs. IXUS

Last updated Aug 2, 2026
Documentation

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

Performance

VXUS vs. IXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS). 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 investments are quite close, with VXUS having a 12.75% return and IXUS slightly higher at 13.14%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VXUS having a 9.44% annualized return and IXUS not far ahead at 9.51%.

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%

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%
*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

VXUS vs. IXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

2026 (YTD)202520242023202220212020201920182017
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%
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%

Correlation

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

VXUS vs. IXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors
VXUS
IXUS

Technology

23.7%
22.4%

Financial Services

23.2%
22.3%

Industrials

14.5%
14.9%

Consumer Cyclical

6.8%
7.7%

Healthcare

6.8%
6.9%

Basic Materials

6.6%
7.0%

Consumer Defensive

4.8%
5.0%

Energy

4.2%
4.3%

Communication Services

3.8%
4.5%

Utilities

2.9%
2.9%

Real Estate

1.7%
2.2%

Technology

VXUS
23.7%
IXUS
22.4%

Financial Services

VXUS
23.2%
IXUS
22.3%

Industrials

VXUS
14.5%
IXUS
14.9%

Consumer Cyclical

VXUS
6.8%
IXUS
7.7%

Healthcare

VXUS
6.8%
IXUS
6.9%

Basic Materials

VXUS
6.6%
IXUS
7.0%

Consumer Defensive

VXUS
4.8%
IXUS
5.0%

Energy

VXUS
4.2%
IXUS
4.3%

Communication Services

VXUS
3.8%
IXUS
4.5%

Utilities

VXUS
2.9%
IXUS
2.9%

Real Estate

VXUS
1.7%
IXUS
2.2%

Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs

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

Vanguard Total International Stock ETF

iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF

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

Return for Risk

VXUS vs. IXUS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.
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
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
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.

VXUS vs. IXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS). 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.

VXUSIXUSDifference
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility
1.62
1.61

+0.01

Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk
2.24
2.23

+0.01

Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability

1.30

1.30

0.00

Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown

2.42

2.41

+0.01

Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown

8.87

8.87

0.00

VXUS vs. IXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VXUS Sharpe Ratio is 1.62, which is comparable to the IXUS Sharpe Ratio of 1.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VXUS and IXUS, 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

VXUS vs. IXUS - Drawdown Comparison

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

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Drawdown Indicators

VXUSIXUSDifference

Max Drawdown

Largest peak-to-trough decline

-35.97%

-36.22%

+0.25%

Max Drawdown (1Y)

Largest decline over 1 year

-11.27%

-11.36%

+0.09%

Max Drawdown (3Y)

Largest decline over 3 years

-13.58%

-13.75%

+0.17%

Max Drawdown (5Y)

Largest decline over 5 years

-29.44%

-30.03%

+0.59%

Max Drawdown (10Y)

Largest decline over 10 years

-35.97%

-36.22%

+0.25%

Current Drawdown

Current decline from peak

-2.84%

-2.73%

-0.11%

Average Drawdown

Average peak-to-trough decline

-8.16%

-7.45%

-0.71%

Ulcer Index

Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks

3.07%

3.08%

-0.01%

Volatility

VXUS vs. IXUS - Volatility Comparison

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

VXUSIXUSDifference

Volatility (1M)

Calculated over the trailing 1-month period

5.29%

5.36%

-0.07%

Volatility (6M)

Calculated over the trailing 6-month period

15.06%

15.27%

-0.21%

Volatility (1Y)

Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

16.86%

17.08%

-0.22%

Volatility (5Y)

Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized

16.35%

16.52%

-0.17%

Volatility (10Y)

Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized

17.03%

16.97%

+0.06%

VXUS vs. IXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VXUS has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than IXUS's 0.07% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VXUS vs. IXUS - Dividend Comparison

VXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.59%, less than IXUS's 2.97% 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, VXUS and IXUS 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, VXUS dropped -35.97% vs IXUS's -36.22%.

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.

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

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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