LIT vs VXUS
Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. LIT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LIT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.72% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +14.01% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +67.09% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.82% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.89% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 22, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
LIT vs VXUS Performance
Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LIT returned +67.09% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, LIT is up 14.01% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, LIT compounded at +9.82% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.89% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, LIT has the edge at +5.71% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LIT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.3% 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 -65.9% for LIT 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LIT charges 0.75% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $5 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LIT currently yields 0.72% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
LIT and VXUS share 22 holdings out of 7886 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LIT or VXUS?
LIT has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LIT or VXUS?
Over the past year LIT returned +67.09% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so LIT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), LIT annualized +5.71% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LIT or VXUS?
LIT has been the more volatile fund at 28.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: LIT -65.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both LIT and VXUS?
LIT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LIT and VXUS?
LIT and VXUS share 22 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7886 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LIT or VXUS?
LIT yields 0.72% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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