HGRO vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHGROVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.70%0.05%
AUM$126M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.07%2.60%
Holdings548,747
YTD Return+8.74%+14.57%
1Y Return+17.88%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)10.8%15.1%
Max Drawdown-7.6%-39.9%
Fund FamilyHedgeye Asset ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 10, 2025Jan 26, 2011

HGRO vs VXUS Performance

Hedgeye Quality Growth ETF (HGRO) is a ETF from Hedgeye Asset Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HGRO returned +17.88% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, HGRO is up 8.74% 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 10.8% for HGRO. 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 -7.6% for HGRO 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HGRO charges 0.70% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $5 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HGRO currently yields 0.07% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

HGRO 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

StockWeight in HGROWeight in VXUSDifference
WCN:CA1.49%0.10%1.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, HGRO or VXUS?

HGRO has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.

Which performed better, HGRO or VXUS?

Over the past year HGRO returned +17.88% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), HGRO annualized +20.31% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HGRO or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.8% for HGRO. Worst drawdown: HGRO -7.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both HGRO and VXUS?

HGRO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between HGRO and VXUS?

HGRO and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7908 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HGRO or VXUS?

HGRO yields 0.07% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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