EQAL vs VXUS
Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, EQAL or VXUS?
Mid Cap Blend against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EQAL led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EQAL | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $839M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.64% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 1,016 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +13.75% | +14.48%Best |
| 1Y Return | +16.41% | +22.28%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +20.00%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.28% | +8.91%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 14.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -40.9% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,210 | $15,323Best |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Dec 23, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 29, 2014 to Sep 11, 2026 (11.7 years).
EQAL vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 11.7 years both funds cover.
EQAL vs VXUS Performance
Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF (EQAL) is an ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EQAL returned +16.41% while VXUS returned +22.28%. Year to date, EQAL is up 13.75% versus a gain of 14.48% for VXUS.
Over three years, EQAL compounded at +14.78% per year against +20.00% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.28% and +8.91% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, EQAL has the edge at +8.46% annualized vs +6.57%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EQAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% compared with 14.8% 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 -40.9% for EQAL and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EQAL 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, EQAL currently yields 1.64% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 921 holdings in EQAL and 8,091 in VXUS, totalling 94.1% and 87.7% of the two funds. Neither is a share of a fund we can divide by, so no overlap percentage is shown here. Within what we can see, 16 positions appear in both.
16 positions in common, counted across the 921 positions we hold weights for in EQAL and 8,091 in VXUS, against full books of 1,016 and 8,747.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EQAL | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GFL:CAGfl Environmental Inc | 0.23% | 0.02% | 0.21% |
| AMAntero Midstream Corp | 0.23% | 0.01% | 0.22% |
| SMGScotts Miracle-Gro Company | 0.24% | 0.00% | 0.24% |
| HAL:MBHindustan Aeronautics Ltd | 0.20% | 0.01% | 0.19% |
| UMG:ASUniversal Music Group N.V. Universal Music Group N V | 0.14% | 0.05% | 0.09% |
| BEPC:CABrookfield Renewable Corporation Class A Subordinate Voting Shares | 0.18% | 0.01% | 0.17% |
| SRESempra Common Stock | 0.19% | 0.00% | 0.19% |
| QGEN:ASQiagen Nv | 0.10% | 0.02% | 0.08% |
| QSR:CARestaurant Brands International Inc. | 0.06% | 0.06% | 0.00% |
| SUNBSunbelt Rentals | 0.04% | 0.07% | 0.03% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of EQAL and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EQAL or VXUS?
EQAL has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $15 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, EQAL or VXUS?
Over the past year EQAL returned +16.41% vs +22.28% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), EQAL annualized +8.46% vs +6.57% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, EQAL or VXUS?
EQAL has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 14.8% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EQAL -40.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EQAL and VXUS?
EQAL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, EQAL or VXUS?
EQAL yields 1.64% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than EQAL?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EQAL led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.