ETEC vs VXUS
iShares Breakthrough Environmental Solutions ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ETEC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ETEC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $4M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.43% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 61 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +8.72% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.81% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.10% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 28, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ETEC vs VXUS Performance
iShares Breakthrough Environmental Solutions ETF (ETEC) 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 ETEC returned +28.81% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, ETEC is up 8.72% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, ETEC compounded at +5.10% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +3.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ETEC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.4% 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 -39.7% for ETEC 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ETEC charges 0.47% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $5 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ETEC currently yields 0.43% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ETEC and VXUS share 28 holdings out of 7881 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, ETEC or VXUS?
ETEC has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ETEC or VXUS?
Over the past year ETEC returned +28.81% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so ETEC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ETEC annualized +3.06% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ETEC or VXUS?
ETEC has been the more volatile fund at 24.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ETEC -39.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ETEC and VXUS?
ETEC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ETEC and VXUS?
ETEC and VXUS share 28 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7881 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ETEC or VXUS?
ETEC yields 0.43% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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