HEZU vs VXUS
HEZU vs VXUS
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone 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 | HEZU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.53% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $568M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.55% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 233 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +14.71% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.07% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.89% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.14% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 9, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
HEZU vs VXUS Performance
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF (HEZU) 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 HEZU returned +27.07% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, HEZU is up 14.71% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, HEZU compounded at +19.89% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.14% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, HEZU has the edge at +9.33% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HEZU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% 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 -38.8% for HEZU 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HEZU charges 0.53% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $53 vs $5 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HEZU currently yields 2.55% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
HEZU and VXUS share 11 holdings out of 7862 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in HEZU | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASML:AS | 9.31% | 1.29% | 8.02% |
| INGA:AS | 1.24% | 0.19% | 1.05% |
| ITX:MA | 0.90% | 0.17% | 0.73% |
| AD:AS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| REP:MA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ADYEN:AS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NN:AS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ENX:AS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ASRNL:AS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HEIO:AS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings HEZU shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HEZU or VXUS?
HEZU has an expense ratio of 0.53% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $48 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HEZU or VXUS?
Over the past year HEZU returned +27.07% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), HEZU annualized +9.33% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HEZU or VXUS?
HEZU has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: HEZU -38.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both HEZU and VXUS?
HEZU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HEZU and VXUS?
HEZU and VXUS share 11 common holdings with a 2.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HEZU or VXUS?
HEZU yields 2.55% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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