EQLT vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EQLT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: EQLTMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEQLTVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.35%0.05%
AUM$12M$156.5B
Dividend Yield2.13%2.60%
Holdings3218,747
YTD Return+25.31%+14.57%
1Y Return+46.36%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+2.92%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+2.92%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)19.1%15.1%
Max Drawdown-45.8%-39.9%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionSep 4, 2024Jan 26, 2011

EQLT vs VXUS Performance

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF (EQLT) 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 EQLT returned +46.36% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, EQLT is up 25.31% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, EQLT compounded at +2.92% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.92% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +3.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

EQLT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% 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 -45.8% for EQLT 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

EQLT charges 0.35% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $5 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EQLT currently yields 2.13% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

6.2%overlap

EQLT and VXUS share 170 holdings out of 7989 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in EQLTWeight in VXUSDifference
000660:KR6.43%0.90%5.53%
5274:TW4.18%0.02%4.16%
992:HK3.23%0.02%3.21%
9988:HKProProPro
TCS:MBProProPro
2059:TWProProPro
300308:SHProProPro
7203:SAProProPro
2222:SAProProPro
1120:SAProProPro
See all 10 holdings EQLT shares with VXUS
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, EQLT or VXUS?

EQLT has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.

Which performed better, EQLT or VXUS?

Over the past year EQLT returned +46.36% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so EQLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), EQLT annualized +3.67% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, EQLT or VXUS?

EQLT has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EQLT -45.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both EQLT and VXUS?

EQLT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between EQLT and VXUS?

EQLT and VXUS share 170 common holdings with a 6.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7989 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, EQLT or VXUS?

EQLT yields 2.13% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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