ETF Comparison
IXUS vs VEA: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| IXUS | VEA | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF | Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF |
| Issuer | BlackRock | Vanguard |
| Price | $87.61 | $65.14 |
| Distribution yield | 2.91% | 2.86% |
| Expense ratio | 0.07% | 0.03% |
| AUM | $57.6B | $307.3B |
| Distribution frequency | Semi-Annual | Quarterly |
| Underlying index | MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index | FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index |
| Objective | Provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. | Track the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 10/18/2012 | 07/20/2007 |
| Beta | 1.0 | 1.06 |
| Last dividend | $1.57 | $0.11 |
| Ex-dividend date | 12/16/2025 | 03/20/2026 |
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
IXUS (iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both popular semi-annual-pay provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. ETFs, but they take different approaches.
IXUS offers the higher yield at 2.91% vs 2.86% for VEA. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
VEA is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.03% compared to 0.07%.
They track different benchmarks: IXUS is linked to MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index, which means their performance drivers differ.
VEA is the larger fund by assets ($307.3B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, IXUS would generate roughly $24.25/month while VEA would produce $23.83/month at current distribution rates. Both pay semi-annual distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, IXUS would cost approximately $70 in fees vs $30 for VEA (simplified, not compounded). The $40.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
Strategy & risk
IXUS tracks MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index with a provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. approach, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index using a track the ftse developed all cap ex us index. strategy. Beta is 1.0 for IXUS and 1.06 for VEA, indicating IXUS is less volatile relative to the market.
Fund details
IXUS is managed by BlackRock (launched 10/18/2012) with $57.6B in assets. VEA is managed by Vanguard (launched 07/20/2007) with $307.3B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Is IXUS or VEA better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. IXUS currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between IXUS and VEA?
IXUS (iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF) tracks MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index with a provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. strategy, while VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index with a track the ftse developed all cap ex us index. approach. They are issued by BlackRock and Vanguard respectively.
Can I hold both IXUS and VEA?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has lower fees, IXUS or VEA?
IXUS has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VEA charges 0.03%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in IXUS vs VEA generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in IXUS would generate roughly $24.25 per month ($291.00 annually). The same in VEA would produce about $23.83 per month ($286.00 annually).
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