EQAL vs VXUS
Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight 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 | EQAL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $852M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.69% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 1,016 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +17.27% | +15.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.45% | +26.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.40% | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.08% | +9.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 23, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EQAL vs VXUS Performance
Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF (EQAL) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EQAL returned +24.45% while VXUS returned +26.78%. Year to date, EQAL is up 17.27% versus a gain of 15.23% for VXUS.
Over three years, EQAL compounded at +16.40% per year against +20.86% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.08% and +9.66% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, EQAL has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EQAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% 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 -40.9% for EQAL 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 0.86. 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 1.69% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EQAL and VXUS share 20 holdings out of 8800 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EQAL or VXUS?
Over the past year EQAL returned +24.45% vs +26.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), EQAL annualized +8.79% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EQAL or VXUS?
EQAL has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 15.1% 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 combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EQAL and VXUS?
EQAL and VXUS share 20 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8800 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EQAL or VXUS?
EQAL yields 1.69% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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