JOF vs VXUS
Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund Inc vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. JOF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JOF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.47% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $240M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 15.92% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 91 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +19.25% | +15.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.44% | +26.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.20% | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.72% | +9.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nomura Asset Management Co Ltd | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 1990 | Jan 26, 2011 |
JOF vs VXUS Performance
Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund Inc (JOF) is a ETF from Nomura Asset Management Co Ltd and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JOF returned +32.44% while VXUS returned +26.78%. Year to date, JOF is up 19.25% versus a gain of 15.23% for VXUS.
Over three years, JOF compounded at +28.20% per year against +20.86% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.72% and +9.66% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +1.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JOF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.4% 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 -70.0% for JOF 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JOF charges 1.47% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $147 vs $5 annually, a gap of $142 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JOF currently yields 15.92% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
JOF and VXUS share 64 holdings out of 7896 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JOF or VXUS?
JOF has an expense ratio of 1.47% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $142 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JOF or VXUS?
Over the past year JOF returned +32.44% vs +26.78% for VXUS, so JOF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), JOF annualized +1.87% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JOF or VXUS?
JOF has been the more volatile fund at 26.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: JOF -70.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both JOF and VXUS?
JOF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JOF and VXUS?
JOF and VXUS share 64 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7896 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JOF or VXUS?
JOF yields 15.92% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so JOF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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