KOOL vs VXUS
KOOL vs VXUS
North Shore Equity Rotation 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KOOL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.94% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $57M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.43% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.39% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.18% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | North Shore Indices | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 1, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
KOOL vs VXUS Performance
North Shore Equity Rotation ETF (KOOL) is a ETF from North Shore Indices and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KOOL returned +22.18% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, KOOL is up 15.39% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.4% for KOOL. 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 -20.6% for KOOL 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KOOL charges 0.94% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $94 vs $5 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KOOL currently yields 0.43% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
KOOL and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 7896 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KOOL or VXUS?
KOOL has an expense ratio of 0.94% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KOOL or VXUS?
Over the past year KOOL returned +22.18% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), KOOL annualized +18.47% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KOOL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.4% for KOOL. Worst drawdown: KOOL -20.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both KOOL and VXUS?
KOOL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KOOL and VXUS?
KOOL and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7896 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KOOL or VXUS?
KOOL yields 0.43% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.