iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF

IXUS

Market cap $58.4B

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.

It's easy to build a strong foundation for a portfolio by buying a few ETFs. Getting exposure to a few different asset classes is a must.

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 ›