EFFE vs VXUS
Harbor Osmosis Emerging Markets Resource Efficient ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EFFE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EFFE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $146M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.13% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 99 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +19.97% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.05% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EFFE vs VXUS Performance
Harbor Osmosis Emerging Markets Resource Efficient ETF (EFFE) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EFFE returned +27.05% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, EFFE is up 19.97% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EFFE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% 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 -16.3% for EFFE 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFFE charges 0.69% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $5 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFFE currently yields 4.13% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EFFE and VXUS share 59 holdings out of 7886 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EFFE or VXUS?
EFFE has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFFE or VXUS?
Over the past year EFFE returned +27.05% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so EFFE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), EFFE annualized +27.02% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFFE or VXUS?
EFFE has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EFFE -16.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EFFE and VXUS?
EFFE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EFFE and VXUS?
EFFE and VXUS share 59 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7886 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFFE or VXUS?
EFFE yields 4.13% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so EFFE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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