IEMG vs. IXUS: Should You Bet on Emerging Markets or Diversify With Total International Stocks?

The iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (NASDAQ:IXUS) offers wide developed and emerging marketplace vulnerability astatine a little yearly cost, portion the iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEMKT:IEMG) focuses solely connected emerging markets, carries a marginally higher fee, and has seen stronger caller returns.

Both IXUS and IEMG people planetary equities, but their mandates differ: IXUS spans the full non-U.S. banal universe, portion IEMG zeroes successful connected emerging markets. This examination explores their costs, caller performance, risk, portfolio composition, and trading characteristics to assistance investors place which ETF whitethorn entreaty depending connected planetary allocation goals.

Beta measures terms volatility comparative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from five-year play returns. The 1-yr instrumentality represents full instrumentality implicit the trailing 12 months.

IXUS is somewhat much affordable with a 0.07% disbursal ratio compared to IEMG’s 0.09%, and it besides pays a higher dividend yield.

IEMG holds 2,725 stocks from emerging economies, emphasizing exertion (26%), fiscal services (21%), and user cyclicals (12%). Its largest positions are Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Samsung Electronics, and Tencent Holdings, with the apical holding representing implicit 10% of assets. The money has operated for 13.3 years, offering targeted emerging marketplace vulnerability with important institution attraction astatine the top.

IXUS casts a wider net, holding 4,173 stocks crossed developed and emerging markets. It leans toward fiscal services (21%), industrials (15%), and basal materials (13%), with its apical positions successful Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, ASML, and Samsung Electronics. While some funds stock immoderate large holdings, IXUS dilutes single-company hazard by spreading assets crossed a broader beingness and much sectors.

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International stocks delivered spectacular returns successful 2025, outpacing U.S. markets by treble digits acknowledgment to a weaker dollar, charismatic valuations, and beardown net growth. Both IXUS and IEMG are astute ways to seizure this opportunity, the quality being that IXUS offers broad diversification portion IEMG concentrates connected emerging economies.