iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF

IXUS

Market cap $56.2B

You likely already own at least one of these names. The others, however, are often underrepresented within most U.S. investors' portfolios.

EEM charges a much higher expense ratio than IXUS but delivered a stronger 1-year total return as of March 2026. IXUS holds nearly 4 times as many stocks, offering broader international diversification, while EEM concentrates on emerging markets with a heavy technology tilt.

iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) continues its streak of outperformance relative to the S&P 500 so far in 2026. While war in the Middle East and a stronger U.S. dollar present near-term headwinds, I still see IXUS valuations as more attractive relative to U.S. large caps. IXUS has modest direct Middle East exposure. That said, roughly 4/5 of assets are allocated to energy importing countries in Europe and Asia.

iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF carries a lower expense ratio and a higher dividend yield than the SPDR MSCI ACWI Climate Paris Aligned ETF. The SPDR MSCI ACWI Climate Paris Aligned ETF leans heavily into technology and ESG screens, while the iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF focuses on international developed markets with more financials and industrials.

IXUS covers a broader international universe and has delivered a higher 1-year return than SCHE. Both ETFs charge the same low expense ratio, but IXUS offers a slightly higher dividend yield.

IXUS charges a slightly lower expense ratio and offers a higher dividend yield than SPGM SPGM has outperformed IXUS over five years, but IXUS delivered a stronger 1-year total return as of early 2026 IXUS tilts toward financials and basic materials, while SPGM leans more into technology These 10 Stocks Could Mint the Next Wave of Millionaires ›

IEMG is more concentrated in technology and emerging markets, while IXUS is broader and more diversified across sectors. Over the past year, IEMG has outperformed IXUS, but IXUS has a substantially higher five-year price return.

IEFA carries an identical expense ratio to IXUS but offers a slightly higher dividend yield. IXUS delivered a stronger 1-year return and covers a broader set of international stocks, including emerging markets.

VXUS and IXUS both offer broad international equity exposure, but Vanguard's ETF has more than double the holdings of IXUS. Both funds have a similar sector allocation, leaning more towards the financial sector.

IEMG has delivered a higher 1-year total return but comes with a deeper 5-year drawdown versus IXUS. IXUS covers a broader international universe, while IEMG focuses exclusively on emerging markets with heavier tech exposure.