HECA vs VXUS
HECA vs VXUS
Hedgeye Capital Allocation 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 | HECA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.02% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $289M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.04% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 22 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.48% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.32% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Hedgeye Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 30, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
HECA vs VXUS Performance
Hedgeye Capital Allocation ETF (HECA) is a ETF from Hedgeye Asset Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HECA returned +11.32% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, HECA is down 0.48% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.4% for HECA. 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 -12.8% for HECA 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HECA charges 1.02% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $102 vs $5 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HECA currently yields 2.04% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
HECA and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7908 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in HECA | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| WCN:CA | 1.49% | 0.10% | 1.39% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HECA or VXUS?
HECA has an expense ratio of 1.02% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HECA or VXUS?
Over the past year HECA returned +11.32% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), HECA annualized +11.44% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HECA or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.4% for HECA. Worst drawdown: HECA -12.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both HECA and VXUS?
HECA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HECA and VXUS?
HECA and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7908 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HECA or VXUS?
HECA yields 2.04% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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