iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF

IXUS

Market cap $53.8B

iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) offers broad international equity exposure with over 4,000 holdings and a low 0.07% expense ratio. IXUS benefits from dollar weakness, delivering a strong 31% return in 2025 and an 8.5% annualized 10-year return. Current fair valuations (P/E 18.4, P/B 2.1) and strong momentum support continued outperformance versus the S&P 500.

VXUS charges a slightly lower expense ratio than IXUS but offers a lower dividend yield VXUS has outperformed IXUS by a modest margin over the past year and five-year period Both ETFs provide broad international diversification with similar sector exposures and top holdings These 10 Stocks Could Mint the Next Wave of Millionaires ›

Adventist Health System West added 462,368 shares of IXUS valued at an estimated $38.2 million in the third quarter. The position accounts for 6.2% of reportable 13F assets under management.

Catalyst Private Wealth, LLC reported in a recent SEC filing dated October 7, 2025, that it reduced its holding in the iShares Trust - iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS -0.74%) by 37,829 shares. The estimated transaction value was $3.01 million.

Lineweaver Wealth Advisors fully exited its stake in the iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS 1.61%), according to an SEC filing on Friday, in an estimated $11.8 million trade.

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iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF provides extremely broad international exposure at a very low cost but sacrifices quality by including thousands of weaker companies. IXUS's wide breadth dilutes returns, as many international firms lag U.S. peers in both growth and profitability. In contrast, quality-screened ETFs like IQLT concentrate on high-ROE, low-leverage companies, resulting in stronger returns, faster recoveries from drawdowns, and better long-term compounding despite higher valuation multiples.

The iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF faces macroeconomic headwinds due to global trade tensions and deflationary risks, especially in China. IXUS's heavy exposure to export-led economies and cyclical sectors increases vulnerability to tariffs, protectionism, and weakening global demand. Tariffs should be dealing a delayed blow. It's just bad to remove a group of people from the viable market for often quite commodified products. Ex-US has clear risks.

I maintain a buy rating on IXUS, driven by strong year-to-date momentum and attractive valuations versus the S&P 500. IXUS offers broad international diversification, low expenses, a higher yield, and a favorable PEG ratio, making it a compelling core holding. Technical analysis confirms a long-term breakout with bullish momentum, though some resistance and seasonal caution are warranted.

VOO, IBIT, IXUS, IQLT and USHY emerge as the most loved ETFs of last week.