IXUS vs VEU
iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF vs Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Index Fund ETF Shares
Last updated: 2026-04-10
iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to international stocks across both developed and emerging markets. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.07%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 3.00%. Launched in 2012, the fund has a 14-year track record.
Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Index Fund ETF Shares (VEU) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Vanguard that provides exposure to international stocks across both developed and emerging markets. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.04%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 2.77%. Launched in 2007, the fund has a 19-year track record.
Quick Verdict
VEU has a slightly lower expense ratio (0.04% vs 0.07%), saving about $60 per $10,000 over 10 years. Both funds have delivered similar 1-year returns (38.9% vs 38.7%), tracking closely.
Key Metrics
Performance Chart
Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)
Performance Comparison
Fee Impact Over Time
Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns
Risk Metrics
Based on 5 years of daily returns
Dividend Comparison
Top Holdings
7 of top 9 holdings overlap (78% overlap in top holdings)
IXUS Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited!tpe/2330 | 3.64% |
| Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.!krx/005930 | 1.63% |
| ASML Holding N.V.!ams/ASML | 1.32% |
| Tencent Holdings Limited!hkg/0700 | 0.99% |
| SK hynix Inc.!krx/000660 | 0.92% |
| AstraZeneca PLC!lon/AZN | 0.76% |
| HSBC Holdings plc!lon/HSBA | 0.74% |
| Novartis AG!swx/NOVN | 0.70% |
| Roche Holding AG!swx/ROP | 0.67% |
| Alibaba Group Holding Limited!hkg/9988 | 0.67% |
VEU Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited!tpe/2330 | 3.76% |
| Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.!krx/005930 | 1.75% |
| ASML Holding N.V.!ams/ASML | 1.43% |
| Tencent Holdings Limited!hkg/0700 | 1.01% |
| SK hynix Inc.!krx/000660 | 1.00% |
| Roche Holding AGROC1.L | 0.83% |
| Alibaba Group Holding Limited!otc/BABAF | 0.81% |
| Novartis AG!swx/NOVN | 0.80% |
| HSBC Holdings plc!lon/HSBA | 0.80% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose VEU if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.
Either works if...
you just need broad international equity exposure. Both are solid options — pick whichever your brokerage offers commission-free.