ECON vs VXUS
Columbia Research Enhanced Emerging Economies ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ECON delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ECON | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $340M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.51% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 365 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +27.67% | +15.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +46.88% | +26.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.88% | +20.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.54% | +9.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 14, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ECON vs VXUS Performance
Columbia Research Enhanced Emerging Economies ETF (ECON) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ECON returned +46.88% while VXUS returned +26.73%. Year to date, ECON is up 27.67% versus a gain of 15.52% for VXUS.
Over three years, ECON compounded at +21.88% per year against +20.35% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.54% and +9.40% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.90% annualized vs +4.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ECON has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% 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 -45.4% for ECON 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ECON charges 0.47% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $5 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ECON currently yields 1.51% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ECON and VXUS share 230 holdings out of 7984 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ECON or VXUS?
ECON has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ECON or VXUS?
Over the past year ECON returned +46.88% vs +26.73% for VXUS, so ECON leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ECON annualized +4.63% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ECON or VXUS?
ECON has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ECON -45.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ECON and VXUS?
ECON and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ECON and VXUS?
ECON and VXUS share 230 common holdings with a 8.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7984 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ECON or VXUS?
ECON yields 1.51% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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