ESN vs VXUS
ESN vs VXUS
Essential 40 Stock ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ESN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $312M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.79% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +19.10% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.88% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | KKM Financial | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 11, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ESN vs VXUS Performance
Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN) is a ETF from KKM Financial and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ESN returned +29.88% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, ESN is up 19.10% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 10.8% for ESN. 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 -13.6% for ESN 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESN charges 0.70% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $5 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESN currently yields 0.79% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ESN and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7899 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, ESN or VXUS?
ESN has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESN or VXUS?
Over the past year ESN returned +29.88% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so ESN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ESN annualized +18.75% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESN or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.8% for ESN. Worst drawdown: ESN -13.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ESN and VXUS?
ESN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ESN and VXUS?
ESN and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7899 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESN or VXUS?
ESN yields 0.79% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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