EPU vs VXUS
EPU vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Peru and Global Exposure ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EPU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $536M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.04% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +26.86% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +82.66% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +45.12% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +34.21% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EPU vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Peru and Global Exposure ETF (EPU) 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 EPU returned +82.66% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, EPU is up 26.86% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, EPU compounded at +45.12% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +34.21% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, EPU has the edge at +9.38% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EPU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.6% 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 -64.6% for EPU 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPU 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, EPU currently yields 2.04% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EPU and VXUS share 9 holdings out of 7878 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EPU | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAP:BM | 26.06% | 0.00% | 26.06% |
| ISA:CO | 2.95% | 0.01% | 2.94% |
| PARAUCO:CL | 2.89% | 0.01% | 2.88% |
| 1208:HK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PAAS:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WPM:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TFPM:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FVI:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ENTEL:CL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 9 holdings EPU shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EPU or VXUS?
EPU 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, EPU or VXUS?
Over the past year EPU returned +82.66% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so EPU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EPU annualized +9.38% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPU or VXUS?
EPU has been the more volatile fund at 24.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EPU -64.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EPU and VXUS?
EPU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPU and VXUS?
EPU and VXUS share 9 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7878 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPU or VXUS?
EPU yields 2.04% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.