HEGD vs VXUS
Swan Hedged Equity US Large Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, HEGD or VXUS?
VXUS has been ahead.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HEGD | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.87% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $731M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.33% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 10 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +4.90% | +12.21%Best |
| 1Y Return | +7.70% | +19.22%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.98% | +19.10%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.57% | +8.63%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.7%Best | 14.3% |
| Max Drawdown | -14.6%Best | -29.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,403 | $15,127Best |
| Fund Family | Swan Capital Management | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Dec 22, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 23, 2020 to Sep 16, 2026 (5.7 years).
HEGD vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.7 years both funds cover.
HEGD vs VXUS Performance
Swan Hedged Equity US Large Cap ETF (HEGD) is an ETF from Swan Capital Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HEGD returned +7.70% while VXUS returned +19.22%. Year to date, HEGD is up 4.90% versus a gain of 12.21% for VXUS.
Over three years, HEGD compounded at +12.98% per year against +19.10% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.57% and +8.63% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +9.72% annualized vs +9.02%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.3% compared with 8.7% for HEGD. 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 -14.6% for HEGD and -29.4% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HEGD charges 0.87% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $87 vs $5 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HEGD currently yields 0.33% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 2 holdings in HEGD and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 93.7% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 2 positions we hold weights for in HEGD and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 10 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of HEGD and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HEGD or VXUS?
HEGD has an expense ratio of 0.87% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $82 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, HEGD or VXUS?
Over the past year HEGD returned +7.70% vs +19.22% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), HEGD annualized +9.02% vs +9.72% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, HEGD or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.3% annualized versus 8.7% for HEGD. Worst drawdown: HEGD -14.6% vs VXUS -29.4%.
Should I hold both HEGD and VXUS?
HEGD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, HEGD or VXUS?
HEGD yields 0.33% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than HEGD?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.