HIPS vs VXUS
GraniteShares HIPS US High Income 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 | HIPS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.17% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $113M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.21% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +6.49% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.30% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.86% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.67% | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | GraniteShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 7, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
HIPS vs VXUS Performance
GraniteShares HIPS US High Income ETF (HIPS) is a ETF from GraniteShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HIPS returned +8.30% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, HIPS is up 6.49% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, HIPS compounded at +9.86% per year against +19.79% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.67% and +9.26% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.88% annualized vs +0.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HIPS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -61.6% for HIPS 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HIPS charges 1.17% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $117 vs $5 annually, a gap of $112 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HIPS currently yields 11.21% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
HIPS and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7901 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, HIPS or VXUS?
HIPS has an expense ratio of 1.17% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $112 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HIPS or VXUS?
Over the past year HIPS returned +8.30% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), HIPS annualized +0.14% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HIPS or VXUS?
HIPS has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: HIPS -61.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both HIPS and VXUS?
HIPS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HIPS and VXUS?
HIPS and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7901 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HIPS or VXUS?
HIPS yields 11.21% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so HIPS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.