COMT vs VXUS
iShares GSCI Commodity Dynamic Roll Strategy ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. COMT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | COMT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.91% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 164 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +34.96% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.46% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.74% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.81% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 15, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
COMT vs VXUS Performance
iShares GSCI Commodity Dynamic Roll Strategy ETF (COMT) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year COMT returned +39.46% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, COMT is up 34.96% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, COMT compounded at +12.74% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.81% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +3.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
COMT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -51.9% for COMT 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
COMT charges 0.48% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $48 vs $5 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, COMT currently yields 5.91% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
COMT and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7870 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in COMT | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMO:CA | 0.48% | 0.23% | 0.25% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, COMT or VXUS?
COMT has an expense ratio of 0.48% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COMT or VXUS?
Over the past year COMT returned +39.46% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so COMT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), COMT annualized +3.80% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COMT or VXUS?
COMT has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: COMT -51.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both COMT and VXUS?
COMT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between COMT and VXUS?
COMT and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7870 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COMT or VXUS?
COMT yields 5.91% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so COMT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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