KXI vs VXUS
iShares Global Consumer Staples 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 | KXI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.30% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 112 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +8.71% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.95% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.57% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.55% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
KXI vs VXUS Performance
iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (KXI) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KXI returned +7.95% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, KXI is up 8.71% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, KXI compounded at +7.57% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.55% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, KXI has the edge at +5.88% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.7% for KXI. 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 -43.9% for KXI 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KXI charges 0.38% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $5 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KXI currently yields 2.30% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
KXI and VXUS share 37 holdings out of 7926 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KXI or VXUS?
KXI has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KXI or VXUS?
Over the past year KXI returned +7.95% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), KXI annualized +5.88% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KXI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.7% for KXI. Worst drawdown: KXI -43.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both KXI and VXUS?
KXI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KXI and VXUS?
KXI and VXUS share 37 common holdings with a 2.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7926 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KXI or VXUS?
KXI yields 2.30% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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