EWUS vs VXUS
EWUS vs VXUS
iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWUS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $41M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.26% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 206 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +9.42% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.90% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.53% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.76% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 25, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EWUS vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF (EWUS) 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 EWUS returned +14.90% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, EWUS is up 9.42% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, EWUS compounded at +14.53% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.76% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, EWUS has the edge at +6.89% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.9% 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 -49.3% for EWUS 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWUS charges 0.59% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $5 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWUS currently yields 3.26% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EWUS and VXUS share 119 holdings out of 7942 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EWUS | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DPLM:LN | 2.71% | 0.02% | 2.69% |
| BEZ:LN | 2.10% | 0.02% | 2.08% |
| IMI:LN | 2.00% | 0.02% | 1.98% |
| STJ:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GAW:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WEIR:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| IGG:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HSX:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DCC:FF | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABDN:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings EWUS shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWUS or VXUS?
EWUS has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWUS or VXUS?
Over the past year EWUS returned +14.90% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EWUS annualized +6.89% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWUS or VXUS?
EWUS has been the more volatile fund at 32.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EWUS -49.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EWUS and VXUS?
EWUS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWUS and VXUS?
EWUS and VXUS share 119 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7942 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWUS or VXUS?
EWUS yields 3.26% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so EWUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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