EPHE vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Philippines 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 | EPHE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $154M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.65% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -4.29% | +14.72% | |
| 1Y Return | -4.95% | +26.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.33% | +19.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.62% | +9.16% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 28, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EPHE vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Philippines ETF (EPHE) 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 EPHE returned -4.95% while VXUS returned +26.79%. Year to date, EPHE is down 4.29% versus a gain of 14.72% for VXUS.
Over three years, EPHE compounded at +1.33% per year against +19.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -2.62% and +9.16% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.85% annualized vs +0.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EPHE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -55.8% for EPHE 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPHE 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, EPHE currently yields 2.65% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EPHE and VXUS share 22 holdings out of 8107 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EPHE or VXUS?
EPHE 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, EPHE or VXUS?
Over the past year EPHE returned -4.95% vs +26.79% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EPHE annualized +0.38% vs +4.85% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPHE or VXUS?
EPHE has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EPHE -55.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EPHE and VXUS?
EPHE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPHE and VXUS?
EPHE and VXUS share 22 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8107 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPHE or VXUS?
EPHE yields 2.65% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so EPHE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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