KNO vs VXUS
AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. KNO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KNO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.84% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $44M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.85% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 78 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +25.39% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.98% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Knowledge Leaders Capital, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 7, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
KNO vs VXUS Performance
AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF (KNO) is a ETF from Knowledge Leaders Capital, LLC and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KNO returned +29.98% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, KNO is up 25.39% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.9% for KNO. 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 -15.5% for KNO 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KNO charges 0.84% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $84 vs $5 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KNO currently yields 0.85% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
KNO and VXUS share 33 holdings out of 7892 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KNO or VXUS?
KNO has an expense ratio of 0.84% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KNO or VXUS?
Over the past year KNO returned +29.98% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so KNO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), KNO annualized +21.77% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KNO or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.9% for KNO. Worst drawdown: KNO -15.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both KNO and VXUS?
KNO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KNO and VXUS?
KNO and VXUS share 33 common holdings with a 2.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7892 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KNO or VXUS?
KNO yields 0.85% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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