HERD vs VXUS
Pacer Cash Cows Fund of Funds ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, HERD or VXUS?
Mid Cap Value against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. HERD led over 1Y, 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 3Y.
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 | HERD | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $107M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 7 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +15.93%Best | +12.82% |
| 1Y Return | +22.36%Best | +19.86% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.84% | +19.33%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.25%Best | +9.46% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.4% | 16.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -39.4% | -35.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $17,041Best | $15,714 |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Value | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | May 3, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: May 7, 2019 to Sep 18, 2026 (7.4 years).
HERD 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 7.4 years both funds cover.
HERD vs VXUS Performance
Pacer Cash Cows Fund of Funds ETF (HERD) is an ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HERD returned +22.36% while VXUS returned +19.86%. Year to date, HERD is up 15.93% versus a gain of 12.82% for VXUS.
Over three years, HERD compounded at +15.84% per year against +19.33% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.25% and +9.46% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, HERD has the edge at +12.33% annualized vs +9.51%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HERD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.4% compared with 16.0% 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 -39.4% for HERD and -35.1% 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HERD charges 0.74% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $5 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HERD currently yields 2.60% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 6 holdings in HERD and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 100.0% 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 6 positions we hold weights for in HERD and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 7 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of HERD 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, HERD or VXUS?
HERD has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $69 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, HERD or VXUS?
Over the past year HERD returned +22.36% vs +19.86% for VXUS, so HERD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), HERD annualized +12.33% vs +9.51% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, HERD or VXUS?
HERD has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 16.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: HERD -39.4% vs VXUS -35.1%.
Should I hold both HERD and VXUS?
HERD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, 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, HERD or VXUS?
HERD yields 2.60% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so HERD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than HERD?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. HERD led over 1Y, 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 3Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.