HFEQ vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. HFEQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: HFEQMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHFEQVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.96%0.05%
AUM$18M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.60%
Holdings248,747
YTD Return+17.63%+15.00%
1Y Return+31.31%+26.87%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.79%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.26%
Volatility (annualized)16.3%15.1%
Max Drawdown-12.5%-39.9%
Fund FamilyUnlimited FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJul 14, 2025Jan 26, 2011

HFEQ vs VXUS Performance

Unlimited HFEQ Equity Long/Short ETF (HFEQ) is a ETF from Unlimited Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HFEQ returned +31.31% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, HFEQ is up 17.63% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

HFEQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -12.5% for HFEQ 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HFEQ charges 0.96% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $5 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HFEQ currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

HFEQ and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7875 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, HFEQ or VXUS?

HFEQ has an expense ratio of 0.96% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.

Which performed better, HFEQ or VXUS?

Over the past year HFEQ returned +31.31% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so HFEQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), HFEQ annualized +34.03% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HFEQ or VXUS?

HFEQ has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: HFEQ -12.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both HFEQ and VXUS?

HFEQ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between HFEQ and VXUS?

HFEQ and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7875 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HFEQ or VXUS?

HFEQ yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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