ADIV vs VXUS
Guinness Atkinson Asia Pacific Dividend Builder ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ADIV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.78% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $56M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.84% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +9.27% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.09% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.59% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.66% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | SmartETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ADIV vs VXUS Performance
Guinness Atkinson Asia Pacific Dividend Builder ETF (ADIV) is a ETF from SmartETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ADIV returned +11.09% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, ADIV is up 9.27% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, ADIV compounded at +18.59% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.66% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, ADIV has the edge at +7.03% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ADIV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -31.6% for ADIV and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ADIV charges 0.78% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $78 vs $5 annually, a gap of $73 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ADIV currently yields 2.84% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ADIV and VXUS share 26 holdings out of 7879 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ADIV or VXUS?
ADIV has an expense ratio of 0.78% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ADIV or VXUS?
Over the past year ADIV returned +11.09% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ADIV annualized +7.03% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ADIV or VXUS?
ADIV has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ADIV -31.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ADIV and VXUS?
ADIV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ADIV and VXUS?
ADIV and VXUS share 26 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7879 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ADIV or VXUS?
ADIV yields 2.84% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so ADIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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