EPP vs VXUS
EPP vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPP | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.51% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.14% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.35% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.69% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.66% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2001 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EPP vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF (EPP) 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 EPP returned +19.35% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, EPP is up 15.14% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, EPP compounded at +15.69% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.66% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, EPP has the edge at +6.07% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EPP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% 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 -67.7% for EPP 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.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPP 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, EPP currently yields 3.51% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EPP and VXUS share 54 holdings out of 7901 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EPP | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBA:AU | 8.65% | 0.47% | 8.18% |
| 1299:HK | 4.50% | 0.26% | 4.24% |
| NAB:AU | 3.73% | 0.24% | 3.49% |
| ANZ:AU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WES:AU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MQG:AU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RIO:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GMG:AU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| U11:SI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WOW:AU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings EPP shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EPP or VXUS?
EPP 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, EPP or VXUS?
Over the past year EPP returned +19.35% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EPP annualized +6.07% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPP or VXUS?
EPP has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EPP -67.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EPP and VXUS?
EPP 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 EPP and VXUS?
EPP and VXUS share 54 common holdings with a 3.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7901 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPP or VXUS?
EPP yields 3.51% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so EPP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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