INFL vs VXUS
Horizon Kinetics Inflation Beneficiaries ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. INFL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | INFL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.80% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +22.88% | +13.91% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.32% | +25.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.45% | +19.76% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.33% | +8.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Horizon Kinetics LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 11, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
INFL vs VXUS Performance
Horizon Kinetics Inflation Beneficiaries ETF (INFL) is a ETF from Horizon Kinetics LLC and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year INFL returned +28.32% while VXUS returned +25.90%. Year to date, INFL is up 22.88% versus a gain of 13.91% for VXUS.
Over three years, INFL compounded at +22.45% per year against +19.76% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +14.33% and +8.82% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, INFL has the edge at +16.37% annualized vs +4.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
INFL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% compared with 15.0% 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 -21.3% for INFL 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
INFL charges 0.85% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $5 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, INFL currently yields 0.80% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
INFL and VXUS share 15 holdings out of 8126 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, INFL or VXUS?
INFL has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, INFL or VXUS?
Over the past year INFL returned +28.32% vs +25.90% for VXUS, so INFL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), INFL annualized +16.37% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, INFL or VXUS?
INFL has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: INFL -21.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both INFL and VXUS?
INFL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between INFL and VXUS?
INFL and VXUS share 15 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8126 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, INFL or VXUS?
INFL yields 0.80% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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