LVOL vs VXUS
American Century Low Volatility ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, LVOL or VXUS?
Each has led over a different period.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. LVOL led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LVOL | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $9M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 201 | 8,747 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4%Best | 14.8% |
| Max Drawdown | -22.4%Best | -29.4% |
| $10,000 over 4.3 years | $13,730Best | $11,374 |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jan 12, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 506 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. LVOL has data through Apr 22, 2025 and VXUS through Sep 10, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 19, 2021 to Apr 22, 2025 (4.3 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.8% compared with 14.4% for LVOL. 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 -22.4% for LVOL and -29.4% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LVOL 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, LVOL currently yields 1.09% against 2.51% for VXUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of LVOL and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LVOL or VXUS?
LVOL has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $24 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, LVOL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.8% annualized versus 14.4% for LVOL. Worst drawdown: LVOL -22.4% vs VXUS -29.4%.
Should I hold both LVOL and VXUS?
LVOL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, LVOL or VXUS?
LVOL yields 1.09% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than LVOL?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. LVOL led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.