LST vs VXUS
Leuthold Select Industries ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. LST delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LST | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $174M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.17% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 110 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +19.47% | +15.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.41% | +26.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Leuthold Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2000 | Jan 26, 2011 |
LST vs VXUS Performance
Leuthold Select Industries ETF (LST) is a ETF from Leuthold Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LST returned +28.41% while VXUS returned +26.73%. Year to date, LST is up 19.47% versus a gain of 15.52% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.5% for LST. 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 -19.5% for LST 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LST charges 0.65% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $5 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LST currently yields 1.17% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
LST and VXUS share 9 holdings out of 7979 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LST or VXUS?
LST has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LST or VXUS?
Over the past year LST returned +28.41% vs +26.73% for VXUS, so LST leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), LST annualized +22.99% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LST or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.5% for LST. Worst drawdown: LST -19.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both LST and VXUS?
LST and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LST and VXUS?
LST and VXUS share 9 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7979 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LST or VXUS?
LST yields 1.17% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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