MAXJ vs VXUS
MAXJ vs VXUS
iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun 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 | MAXJ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $154M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.74% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +4.45% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.43% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MAXJ vs VXUS Performance
iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ) 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 MAXJ returned +6.43% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, MAXJ is up 4.45% 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 4.3% for MAXJ. 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 -6.3% for MAXJ 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MAXJ charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MAXJ currently yields 0.74% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MAXJ and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7863 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, MAXJ or VXUS?
MAXJ has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MAXJ or VXUS?
Over the past year MAXJ returned +6.43% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MAXJ annualized +8.12% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MAXJ or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.3% for MAXJ. Worst drawdown: MAXJ -6.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MAXJ and VXUS?
MAXJ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MAXJ and VXUS?
MAXJ and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7863 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MAXJ or VXUS?
MAXJ yields 0.74% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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