iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF

IXUS

Market cap $58.3B

Samsung and SK Hynix are popular South Korean AI chip stocks, and SK just debuted on the Nasdaq. The three global ETFs below all include Samsung and SK Hynix as part of their top stock holdings.

iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF provides broader exposure across both developed and emerging markets compared to the developing market focus of Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF has a slightly lower expense ratio and a lower beta profile suggesting less sensitivity to broad market movements iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF has delivered higher total returns over the last five years and currently offers a higher dividend yield

This ETF can serve to diversify your portfolio, helping to protect you from U.S. market downswings. It encompasses many big, familiar names, such as Taiwan Semiconductor, SK Hynix, and Samsung.

The iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) has outperformed the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF by 23 percentage points since the beginning of 2025. A dollar tailwind, a rotation out of tech and into value, better valuations, and stronger growth forecasts have all contributed.

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF carries a significantly higher expense ratio of 0.72% compared to the 0.07% charged by iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF While iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF outperformed on a one-year basis as of June 18, 2026, it has experienced a deeper maximum drawdown over the last five years iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF provides broader diversification with 4,166 holdings compared to the more concentrated emerging markets focus of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF offers broad, low-cost exposure to developed and emerging markets outside the U.S. I rate IXUS a hold; it is a solid core holding but lacks a compelling edge over peers like VXUS or VEU for new investors. IXUS's near-term performance will be macro-driven, primarily by global growth trends and U.S. dollar strength, not ETF-specific catalysts.

The iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF has outperformed the S&P 500 index in the past year (as of June 7). The iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF has delivered a trailing 12-month dividend yield of 3.30%.

Fidelity research says that the investor narrative of “U.S. exceptionalism” might have reached a peak. The iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF offers exposure to more than 4,000 global stocks and has delivered 17.7% annualized returns for the past three years.

iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF provides concentrated exposure to developing economies with higher recent returns but also greater historical drawdowns than iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF. iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF offers a lower expense ratio and broader diversification across both developed and emerging markets compared to the more focused iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF.

For a portfolio to count as being both good and easy, it needs to be anchored with a hearty helping of stock market-tracking index funds.