HWAY vs VXUS
Themes US Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. HWAY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HWAY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $4M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.02% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 197 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +20.56% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.28% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Themes ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 11, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
HWAY vs VXUS Performance
Themes US Infrastructure ETF (HWAY) is a ETF from Themes ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HWAY returned +28.28% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, HWAY is up 20.56% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HWAY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.0% 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 -25.8% for HWAY 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HWAY charges 0.29% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $5 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HWAY currently yields 1.02% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
HWAY and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7959 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in HWAY | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMRZ:SM | 1.31% | 0.07% | 1.24% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HWAY or VXUS?
HWAY has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HWAY or VXUS?
Over the past year HWAY returned +28.28% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so HWAY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), HWAY annualized +25.42% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HWAY or VXUS?
HWAY has been the more volatile fund at 21.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: HWAY -25.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both HWAY and VXUS?
HWAY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HWAY and VXUS?
HWAY and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7959 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HWAY or VXUS?
HWAY yields 1.02% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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