COLO vs VXUS
Global X MSCI Colombia ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. COLO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | COLO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.62% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $213M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.23% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 31 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +38.12% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +64.53% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +41.22% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.98% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 5, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
COLO vs VXUS Performance
Global X MSCI Colombia ETF (COLO) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year COLO returned +64.53% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, COLO is up 38.12% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, COLO compounded at +41.22% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +19.98% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +4.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
COLO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.8% 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 -83.1% for COLO 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
COLO charges 0.62% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $62 vs $5 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, COLO currently yields 4.23% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
COLO and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 7886 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, COLO or VXUS?
COLO has an expense ratio of 0.62% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COLO or VXUS?
Over the past year COLO returned +64.53% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so COLO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), COLO annualized +4.62% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COLO or VXUS?
COLO has been the more volatile fund at 26.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: COLO -83.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both COLO and VXUS?
COLO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between COLO and VXUS?
COLO and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7886 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COLO or VXUS?
COLO yields 4.23% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so COLO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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