JSMD vs VXUS
Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JSMD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 123 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +18.78% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.08% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.55% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.45% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Janus Henderson Investors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 23, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
JSMD vs VXUS Performance
Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSMD) is a ETF from Janus Henderson Investors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JSMD returned +22.08% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, JSMD is up 18.78% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, JSMD compounded at +17.55% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.45% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, JSMD has the edge at +14.09% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JSMD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.2% 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 -39.0% for JSMD 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JSMD charges 0.30% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $5 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JSMD currently yields 0.44% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
JSMD and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7990 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, JSMD or VXUS?
JSMD has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JSMD or VXUS?
Over the past year JSMD returned +22.08% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), JSMD annualized +14.09% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JSMD or VXUS?
JSMD has been the more volatile fund at 20.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: JSMD -39.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both JSMD and VXUS?
JSMD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JSMD and VXUS?
JSMD and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7990 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JSMD or VXUS?
JSMD yields 0.44% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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