HAWX vs VXUS
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI ACWI ex US ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. HAWX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HAWX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $358M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 2,085 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +16.59% | +15.37% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.45% | +26.20% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.69% | +20.32% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.36% | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 29, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
HAWX vs VXUS Performance
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI ACWI ex US ETF (HAWX) 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 HAWX returned +29.45% while VXUS returned +26.20%. Year to date, HAWX is up 16.59% versus a gain of 15.37% for VXUS.
Over three years, HAWX compounded at +21.69% per year against +20.32% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.36% and +9.61% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, HAWX has the edge at +8.51% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.4% for HAWX. 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 -30.6% for HAWX 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HAWX charges 0.35% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $5 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HAWX currently yields 2.51% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
HAWX and VXUS share 850 holdings out of 8398 unique holdings combined, representing a 45.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HAWX or VXUS?
HAWX has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HAWX or VXUS?
Over the past year HAWX returned +29.45% vs +26.20% for VXUS, so HAWX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), HAWX annualized +8.51% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HAWX or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.4% for HAWX. Worst drawdown: HAWX -30.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both HAWX and VXUS?
HAWX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between HAWX and VXUS?
HAWX and VXUS share 850 common holdings with a 45.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8398 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HAWX or VXUS?
HAWX yields 2.51% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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