EQL vs VXUS
ALPS Equal Sector 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 | EQL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $767M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.36% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.22% | +15.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.45% | +26.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.50% | +20.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.60% | +9.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EQL vs VXUS Performance
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EQL returned +16.45% while VXUS returned +26.73%. Year to date, EQL is up 12.22% versus a gain of 15.52% for VXUS.
Over three years, EQL compounded at +16.50% per year against +20.35% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.60% and +9.40% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, EQL has the edge at +12.06% annualized vs +4.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 13.6% for EQL. 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 -36.4% for EQL 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EQL charges 0.19% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $5 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EQL currently yields 1.36% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EQL and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 8358 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, EQL or VXUS?
EQL has an expense ratio of 0.19% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EQL or VXUS?
Over the past year EQL returned +16.45% vs +26.73% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EQL annualized +12.06% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EQL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.6% for EQL. Worst drawdown: EQL -36.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EQL and VXUS?
EQL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EQL and VXUS?
EQL and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8358 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EQL or VXUS?
EQL yields 1.36% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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