LCAP vs VXUS
LCAP vs VXUS
Principal Capital Appreciation Select 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 | LCAP | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +14.45% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.60% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 25, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
LCAP vs VXUS Performance
Principal Capital Appreciation Select ETF (LCAP) is a ETF from Principal Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LCAP returned +24.60% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, LCAP is up 14.45% 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 10.8% for LCAP. 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 -11.3% for LCAP 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LCAP charges 0.29% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $5 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LCAP currently yields 0.09% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
LCAP and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7915 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, LCAP or VXUS?
LCAP has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LCAP or VXUS?
Over the past year LCAP returned +24.60% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), LCAP annualized +25.19% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LCAP or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.8% for LCAP. Worst drawdown: LCAP -11.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both LCAP and VXUS?
LCAP and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LCAP and VXUS?
LCAP and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7915 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LCAP or VXUS?
LCAP yields 0.09% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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