ECH vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Chile 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 | ECH | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.97% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.37% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.93% | +26.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.01% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.94% | +9.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ECH vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Chile ETF (ECH) 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 ECH returned +24.93% while VXUS returned +26.36%. Year to date, ECH is up 0.37% versus a gain of 15.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, ECH compounded at +15.01% per year against +20.98% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.94% and +9.68% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.90% annualized vs +1.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ECH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.0% 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 -74.2% for ECH 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ECH charges 0.59% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $5 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ECH currently yields 1.97% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ECH and VXUS share 20 holdings out of 7875 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ECH | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SQMB:CL | 12.95% | 0.02% | 12.93% |
| CHILE:CL | 11.81% | 0.02% | 11.79% |
| LTM:CL | 11.75% | 0.02% | 11.73% |
| BCI:CL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PARAUCO:CL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ENELCHILE:CL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COPEC:CL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CENCOSUD:CL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MALLPLAZA:CL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COLBUN:CL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ECH or VXUS?
ECH has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ECH or VXUS?
Over the past year ECH returned +24.93% vs +26.36% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ECH annualized +1.24% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ECH or VXUS?
ECH has been the more volatile fund at 25.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ECH -74.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ECH and VXUS?
ECH and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ECH and VXUS?
ECH and VXUS share 20 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7875 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ECH or VXUS?
ECH yields 1.97% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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