INEQ vs VXUS
Columbia International Equity 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 | INEQ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $92M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.98% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 103 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.61% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.35% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.34% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.24% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 13, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
INEQ vs VXUS Performance
Columbia International Equity Income ETF (INEQ) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year INEQ returned +26.35% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, INEQ is up 13.61% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, INEQ compounded at +21.34% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.24% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, INEQ has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
INEQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -47.2% for INEQ 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
INEQ charges 0.45% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $5 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, INEQ currently yields 9.98% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
INEQ and VXUS share 59 holdings out of 7901 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, INEQ or VXUS?
INEQ has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, INEQ or VXUS?
Over the past year INEQ returned +26.35% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), INEQ annualized +8.07% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, INEQ or VXUS?
INEQ has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: INEQ -47.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both INEQ and VXUS?
INEQ 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 INEQ and VXUS?
INEQ and VXUS share 59 common holdings with a 3.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7901 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, INEQ or VXUS?
INEQ yields 9.98% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so INEQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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