KBE vs VXUS
State Street SPDR S&P Bank ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. KBE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KBE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.15% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 105 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.62% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.92% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.21% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.91% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 8, 2005 | Jan 26, 2011 |
KBE vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Bank ETF (KBE) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KBE returned +27.92% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, KBE is up 15.62% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, KBE compounded at +22.21% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.91% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +2.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KBE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.7% 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 -84.6% for KBE 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KBE charges 0.35% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $5 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KBE currently yields 2.15% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
KBE and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7863 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, KBE or VXUS?
KBE has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KBE or VXUS?
Over the past year KBE returned +27.92% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so KBE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), KBE annualized +2.22% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KBE or VXUS?
KBE has been the more volatile fund at 26.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: KBE -84.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both KBE and VXUS?
KBE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KBE and VXUS?
KBE and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7863 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KBE or VXUS?
KBE yields 2.15% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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