HAPS vs VXUS
Harbor Human Capital Factor US Small Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. HAPS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HAPS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.61% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $171M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.47% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 202 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +22.06% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.36% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.59% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 27, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
HAPS vs VXUS Performance
Harbor Human Capital Factor US Small Cap ETF (HAPS) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HAPS returned +34.36% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, HAPS is up 22.06% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, HAPS compounded at +13.59% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, HAPS has the edge at +14.14% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HAPS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% 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 -27.4% for HAPS 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HAPS charges 0.61% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $61 vs $5 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HAPS currently yields 0.47% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
HAPS and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8056 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HAPS or VXUS?
HAPS has an expense ratio of 0.61% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HAPS or VXUS?
Over the past year HAPS returned +34.36% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so HAPS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), HAPS annualized +14.14% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HAPS or VXUS?
HAPS has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: HAPS -27.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both HAPS and VXUS?
HAPS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HAPS and VXUS?
HAPS and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8056 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HAPS or VXUS?
HAPS yields 0.47% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS 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.