MDY vs VXUS
MDY vs VXUS
State Street SPDR S&P MIDCAP 400 ETF Trust 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 | MDY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.23% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $26.7B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 401 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +16.58% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.55% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.55% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.84% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 4, 1995 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MDY vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR S&P MIDCAP 400 ETF Trust (MDY) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MDY returned +25.55% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, MDY is up 16.58% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, MDY compounded at +14.55% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.84% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, MDY has the edge at +9.77% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MDY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -56.3% for MDY 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MDY charges 0.23% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $23 vs $5 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MDY currently yields 1.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MDY and VXUS share 4 holdings out of 8255 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MDY | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| RBA:CA | 0.58% | 0.04% | 0.54% |
| EGP | 0.31% | 0.00% | 0.31% |
| AM | 0.20% | 0.02% | 0.18% |
| BILL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 4 holdings MDY shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MDY or VXUS?
MDY has an expense ratio of 0.23% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MDY or VXUS?
Over the past year MDY returned +25.55% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MDY annualized +9.77% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MDY or VXUS?
MDY has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: MDY -56.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MDY and VXUS?
MDY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MDY and VXUS?
MDY and VXUS share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8255 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MDY or VXUS?
MDY yields 1.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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