JAPN vs VXUS
Horizon Kinetics Japan Owner Operator 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 | JAPN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $25M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.27% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 36 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.38% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -11.05% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Horizon Kinetics LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 12, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
JAPN vs VXUS Performance
Horizon Kinetics Japan Owner Operator ETF (JAPN) is a ETF from Horizon Kinetics LLC and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JAPN returned -11.05% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, JAPN is down 0.38% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JAPN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -23.9% for JAPN 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JAPN 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, JAPN currently yields 0.27% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
JAPN and VXUS share 17 holdings out of 7877 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, JAPN or VXUS?
JAPN 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, JAPN or VXUS?
Over the past year JAPN returned -11.05% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), JAPN annualized +2.16% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JAPN or VXUS?
JAPN has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: JAPN -23.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both JAPN and VXUS?
JAPN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JAPN and VXUS?
JAPN and VXUS share 17 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7877 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JAPN or VXUS?
JAPN yields 0.27% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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