EFAX vs VXUS
State Street SPDR MSCI EAFE Fossil Fuel Reserves Free 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 | EFAX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $518M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.12% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 671 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.31% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.24% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.69% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.53% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 24, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EFAX vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI EAFE Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF (EFAX) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EFAX returned +20.24% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, EFAX is up 12.31% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, EFAX compounded at +18.69% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.53% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, EFAX has the edge at +8.24% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EFAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -36.2% for EFAX 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFAX charges 0.20% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $5 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFAX currently yields 3.12% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EFAX and VXUS share 434 holdings out of 8064 unique holdings combined, representing a 28.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EFAX or VXUS?
EFAX has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFAX or VXUS?
Over the past year EFAX returned +20.24% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), EFAX annualized +8.24% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFAX or VXUS?
EFAX has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EFAX -36.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EFAX and VXUS?
EFAX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 EFAX and VXUS?
EFAX and VXUS share 434 common holdings with a 28.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8064 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFAX or VXUS?
EFAX yields 3.12% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so EFAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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