GENZ vs VXUS
VanEck Digital Native Economy 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 | GENZ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.51% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $17M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.54% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -4.35% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | -10.11% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.00% | +20.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.07% | +9.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -71.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GENZ vs VXUS Performance
VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF (GENZ) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GENZ returned -10.11% while VXUS returned +24.30%. Year to date, GENZ is down 4.35% versus a gain of 13.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, GENZ compounded at +0.00% per year against +20.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -2.07% and +9.37% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.79% annualized vs +2.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GENZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.3% 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 -71.1% for GENZ 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
GENZ charges 0.51% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $51 vs $5 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GENZ currently yields 3.54% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GENZ and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7903 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GENZ or VXUS?
GENZ has an expense ratio of 0.51% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GENZ or VXUS?
Over the past year GENZ returned -10.11% vs +24.30% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GENZ annualized +2.12% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GENZ or VXUS?
GENZ has been the more volatile fund at 26.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: GENZ -71.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GENZ and VXUS?
GENZ 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 GENZ and VXUS?
GENZ and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7903 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GENZ or VXUS?
GENZ yields 3.54% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so GENZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.