IDOG vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: IDOGMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIDOGVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.05%
AUM$539M$156.5B
Dividend Yield4.54%2.60%
Holdings518,747
YTD Return+16.27%+14.57%
1Y Return+32.29%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.52%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+14.52%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)15.5%15.1%
Max Drawdown-46.9%-39.9%
Fund FamilyALPS AdvisorsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 27, 2013Jan 26, 2011

IDOG vs VXUS Performance

ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IDOG returned +32.29% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IDOG is up 16.27% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, IDOG compounded at +21.52% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +14.52% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, IDOG has the edge at +6.46% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

IDOG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -46.9% for IDOG 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

IDOG charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IDOG currently yields 4.54% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

2.5%overlap

IDOG and VXUS share 36 holdings out of 7875 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.5% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in IDOGWeight in VXUSDifference
BNP:PA2.20%0.25%1.95%
4502:JP2.21%0.13%2.08%
EQNR:OS2.28%0.05%2.23%
BATS:LNProProPro
5401:JPProProPro
DTGG.E:SGProProPro
7267:JPProProPro
ENEI:MIProProPro
BAMI:MIProProPro
BMPS:MIProProPro
See all 10 holdings IDOG shares with VXUS
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, IDOG or VXUS?

IDOG has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.

Which performed better, IDOG or VXUS?

Over the past year IDOG returned +32.29% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so IDOG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), IDOG annualized +6.46% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IDOG or VXUS?

IDOG has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IDOG -46.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both IDOG and VXUS?

IDOG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

What is the holdings overlap between IDOG and VXUS?

IDOG and VXUS share 36 common holdings with a 2.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7875 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, IDOG or VXUS?

IDOG yields 4.54% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so IDOG currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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