JSMD vs VXUS
Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, JSMD or VXUS?
Small Cap Growth against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. JSMD led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JSMD | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $1.0B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 123 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +9.06% | +12.65%Best |
| 1Y Return | +6.96% | +20.06%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.02% | +20.46%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.02% | +9.43%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 14.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -39.0%Best | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,039 | $15,692Best |
| Fund Family | Janus Henderson Investors | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small Cap Growth | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Feb 23, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 25, 2016 to Sep 28, 2026 (10.6 years).
JSMD vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 10.6 years both funds cover.
JSMD vs VXUS Performance
Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSMD) is an ETF from Janus Henderson Investors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JSMD returned +6.96% while VXUS returned +20.06%. Year to date, JSMD is up 9.06% versus a gain of 12.65% for VXUS.
Over three years, JSMD compounded at +16.02% per year against +20.46% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.02% and +9.43% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, JSMD has the edge at +13.00% annualized vs +8.70%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JSMD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% compared with 14.8% 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 what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.76. 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 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 121 holdings in JSMD and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 100.0% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 121 positions we hold weights for in JSMD and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 123 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of JSMD and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $25 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, JSMD or VXUS?
Over the past year JSMD returned +6.96% vs +20.06% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), JSMD annualized +13.00% vs +8.70% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, JSMD or VXUS?
JSMD has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 14.8% 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 0.76, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, JSMD or VXUS?
JSMD yields 0.44% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than JSMD?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. JSMD led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.