DESK vs VXUS
VanEck Office and Commercial REIT 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DESK | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.51% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $14M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.66% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.69% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.09% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.62% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 19, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DESK vs VXUS Performance
VanEck Office and Commercial REIT ETF (DESK) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DESK returned +13.09% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, DESK is up 13.69% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, DESK compounded at +12.62% per year against +19.53% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, DESK has the edge at +12.62% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DESK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.6% 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 -28.6% for DESK 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DESK charges 0.51% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $51 vs $5 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DESK currently yields 4.66% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DESK and VXUS share 0 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, DESK or VXUS?
DESK has an expense ratio of 0.51% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DESK or VXUS?
Over the past year DESK returned +13.09% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), DESK annualized +12.62% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DESK or VXUS?
DESK has been the more volatile fund at 22.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DESK -28.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DESK and VXUS?
DESK and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DESK and VXUS?
DESK and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7886 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DESK or VXUS?
DESK yields 4.66% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so DESK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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