VXUS vs IXUS: Two Ways to Own Everything Outside the US
Both funds hold thousands of developed- and emerging-market stocks in a single ticker. The exposure is almost the same — the deciding factors are a small fee gap and which index they follow.
VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) and IXUS (iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF) do the same job: give you the entire investable world outside the United States — developed and emerging markets, large-cap down to small-cap — in one low-cost fund. As international stocks have pulled in some of 2026's heaviest ETF inflows, both have grown fast. The differences are small but real. VXUS tracks the FTSE Global All Cap ex US index and holds roughly 8,500 stocks at a 0.07% expense ratio; IXUS tracks the MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI index with about 4,300 holdings at 0.09%. The two indexes also disagree on one country: FTSE classifies South Korea as a developed market while MSCI calls it emerging — both funds still own Korean stocks, so the practical effect is minor. For the typical long-term investor, VXUS wins on the trifecta of lower cost, broader small-cap reach, and deeper liquidity. IXUS is an excellent choice if you build your portfolio in the iShares ecosystem and want to pair it with other iShares Core funds.
Whether the lower-cost fund suits your situation depends on your existing holdings, account type, tax situation, and how you use each fund. This is a cost comparison, not a personalized recommendation.
Both funds trade commission-free at every major brokerage. Where to buy them →
📋 VXUS vs IXUS: Key Facts Side by Side
| Metric | VXUS | IXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Fund Name | Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund ETF Shares | iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF |
| Issuer | Vanguard | iShares |
| Tracks Index | FTSE Global All Cap ex US | MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI |
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% ✓ | 0.09% |
| Cost per $10K/yr | $7.00 | $9.00 |
| AUM | $629.1B | $60.6B |
| Holdings | 8,500 | 4,300 |
| Inception | 2011 | 2012 |
| 1-Year Return | +21.47% | +21.13% |
| 3-Year Return | +20.83% | +20.98% |
| 5-Year Return | +9.08% | +9.03% |
| Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 2.88% |
| Holdings Overlap | See holdings overlap → | |
| Avg Bid-Ask Spread | 0.01% | 0.02% |
Expense ratio, AUM, and returns updated Sep 10, 2026 from ETF BFF database. Returns are annualised. Not investment advice.
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📊 VXUS vs IXUS: Annualised Returns
Annualised returns (trailing, price-based). Past performance does not guarantee future results.
🎯 Which Fund Fits Which Investor?
- want the lowest fees: saves ~$2/yr per $10K vs IXUS
- want broader diversification (8,500 holdings vs 4,300)
- want geographic diversification beyond US stocks
- want geographic diversification beyond US stocks
- already use iShares and prefer staying within one fund family
💰 What the Fee Difference Actually Costs
Adjust the numbers for your situation. This models each fund's expense ratio compounding against your balance over time.
Assumes a constant annual return reinvested, with each fund's expense ratio deducted yearly. Illustrative only; actual returns vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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Side-by-side holdings overlap, sector breakdown, and live performance tabs, all in one place.
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