MEDI vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. MEDI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: MEDIMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMEDIVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.80%0.05%
AUM$42M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.04%2.60%
Holdings418,747
YTD Return+8.37%+14.57%
1Y Return+31.26%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+16.11%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)16.2%15.1%
Max Drawdown-19.2%-39.9%
Fund FamilyHarbor FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionNov 16, 2022Jan 26, 2011

MEDI vs VXUS Performance

Harbor Health Care ETF (MEDI) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MEDI returned +31.26% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, MEDI is up 8.37% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, MEDI compounded at +16.11% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, MEDI has the edge at +16.58% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

MEDI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% 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 -19.2% for MEDI 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MEDI charges 0.80% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $5 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MEDI currently yields 0.04% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

MEDI and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7903 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in MEDIWeight in VXUSDifference
ARGX2.18%0.11%2.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, MEDI or VXUS?

MEDI has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MEDI or VXUS?

Over the past year MEDI returned +31.26% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so MEDI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MEDI annualized +16.58% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MEDI or VXUS?

MEDI has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: MEDI -19.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both MEDI and VXUS?

MEDI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MEDI and VXUS?

MEDI and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7903 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MEDI or VXUS?

MEDI yields 0.04% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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