VXUS vs IXUS: Head-to-Head Comparison
VXUS vs IXUS: Vanguard Total International Stock ETF has an expense ratio of 0.07% while iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF charges 0.07%. VXUS holds 8,537 securities vs IXUS's 4,400. 5-year returns: 5.50% vs 6.00%.
Last updated: April 2026
International
Quick Verdict
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (9.5/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | IXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.07% |
| AUM | $74.0B | $35.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.10% | 2.80% |
| Holdings | 8,537 | 4,400 |
| 1-Year Return | 9.80% | 10.00% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 5.50% | 6.00% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 4.80% | 5.00% |
| Beta | 0.85 | 0.85 |
| P/E Ratio | 15.4 | 15.0 |
VXUS 5-year annualized return is 5.50% compared to IXUS's 6.00%. Over 10 years, VXUS returned 4.80% vs IXUS's 5.00%.
View data table
| Period | VXUS Return | IXUS Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 2.20% | 2.20% |
| 1 Year | 9.80% | 10.00% |
| 3 Year | 3.20% | 4.00% |
| 5 Year | 5.50% | 6.00% |
| 10 Year | 4.80% | 5.00% |
Key Differences Between VXUS and IXUS
VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) is a international equity fund managed by Vanguard. VXUS provides exposure to stocks from developed and emerging markets outside the United States, covering over 8,000 companies across Europe, Asia, and the rest of the world. It is the most popular way to add international diversification to a U.S.-focused portfolio. Beginners building a globally diversified portfolio often pair VXUS with VTI to own virtually every publicly traded stock in the world.
IXUS (iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF) is a international fund managed by BlackRock. IXUS tracks the MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index, covering stocks from developed and emerging markets outside the United States across all market capitalizations. With over 4,000 holdings spanning Europe, Asia, Latin America, and beyond, it is a detailed one-stop fund for international equity exposure. The low expense ratio makes it one of the most cost-effective ways to diversify beyond U.S. borders.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.07% vs 0.07%), number of holdings (8,537 vs 4,400), and 5-year returns (5.50% vs 6.00%).
VXUS vs IXUS multi-factor comparison: VXUS has a 0.07% expense ratio, 5.50% 5-year return, 8,537 holdings, 0.85 beta, and 3.10% yield. IXUS has 0.07% expense ratio, 6.00% 5-year return, 4,400 holdings, 0.85 beta, and 2.80% yield.
View data table
| Metric | VXUS | IXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.07% |
| 5-Year Return | 5.50% | 6.00% |
| Holdings | 8,537 | 4,400 |
| Beta | 0.85 | 0.85 |
| Dividend Yield | 3.10% | 2.80% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
82%
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and IXUS share 82% of their top holdings. This means they are very similar funds — owning both would result in significant duplication in your portfolio. For most beginners, choosing one is sufficient.
VXUS and IXUS share 82% of their top holdings (high overlap). VXUS has 8,537 total holdings and IXUS has 4,400. Common holdings include TSM, NVO, 005930.KS.
View data table
| Metric | VXUS | IXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 82% | 82% |
| Unique Holdings | 18% | 18% |
| Total Holdings | 8,537 | 4,400 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
VXUS
Fee cost: $600
IXUS
Fee cost: $600
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $0 on a $10,000 investment. The cost difference is negligible — choose based on other factors.
On a $10,000 investment over 20 years at 8% return, VXUS (0.07% fee) grows to $46,009 while IXUS (0.07% fee) grows to $46,009. The fee difference costs $0.
View data table
| Year | VXUS Value | IXUS Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,646 | $14,646 |
| 10 | $21,450 | $21,450 |
| 15 | $31,415 | $31,415 |
| 20 | $46,009 | $46,009 |
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose VXUS if: You want investors seeking global diversification beyond the u.s. market, those building a complete world stock portfolio when paired with vti, investors who believe international stocks are undervalued relative to u.s. equities. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.07%.
Choose IXUS if: You want u.s. investors seeking detailed international diversification at low cost, three-fund portfolio strategies needing a single international equity allocation, investors who believe international stocks will outperform u.s. markets going forward. It's managed by BlackRock with an expense ratio of 0.07%.
Can You Own Both VXUS and IXUS?
With 82% holdings overlap, owning both means you're essentially doubling down on the same stocks. For beginners, we recommend picking one to keep things simple. If you want more diversification, consider pairing your choice with an international ETF like VXUS or a bond ETF like BND instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy VXUS or IXUS?▾
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (9.5/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals. However, both are solid options. VXUS is best for investors who want investors seeking global diversification beyond the u.s. market, while IXUS is better suited for u.s. investors seeking detailed international diversification at low cost.
What is the difference between VXUS and IXUS?▾
VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) tracks international equity investments with 8,537 holdings and a 0.07% expense ratio. IXUS (iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF) focuses on international with 4,400 holdings at 0.07%. Their top holdings overlap by 82%.
Can I own both VXUS and IXUS?▾
Since VXUS and IXUS have 82% holdings overlap, owning both means significant duplication. Most beginners are better off choosing one.