EEA vs VXUS
The European Equity Fund, Inc. vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EEA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | - | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $90M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.00% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 60 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +9.71% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.78% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.13% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | DWS ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 23, 1986 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EEA vs VXUS Performance
The European Equity Fund, Inc. (EEA) is a ETF from DWS ETF Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EEA returned +15.78% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, EEA is up 9.71% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, EEA compounded at +15.12% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.13% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +1.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.0% 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 -82.4% for EEA 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Holdings Overlap
EEA and VXUS share 31 holdings out of 7897 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which performed better, EEA or VXUS?
Over the past year EEA returned +15.78% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EEA annualized +1.18% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EEA or VXUS?
EEA has been the more volatile fund at 24.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EEA -82.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EEA and VXUS?
EEA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between EEA and VXUS?
EEA and VXUS share 31 common holdings with a 7.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7897 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EEA or VXUS?
EEA yields 3.00% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so EEA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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