MEDX vs VXUS
Horizon Kinetics Medical ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. MEDX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MEDX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $17M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.17% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.54% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.30% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.07% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Horizon Kinetics LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 27, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MEDX vs VXUS Performance
Horizon Kinetics Medical ETF (MEDX) is a ETF from Horizon Kinetics LLC and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MEDX returned +28.30% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, MEDX is up 7.54% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, MEDX compounded at +9.07% per year against +20.34% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, MEDX has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.3% for MEDX. 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 -21.6% for MEDX 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
MEDX charges 0.85% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $5 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MEDX currently yields 1.17% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MEDX and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7899 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MEDX | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AZN:LN | 4.62% | 0.71% | 3.91% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MEDX or VXUS?
MEDX has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MEDX or VXUS?
Over the past year MEDX returned +28.30% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so MEDX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MEDX annualized +7.01% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MEDX or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.3% for MEDX. Worst drawdown: MEDX -21.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MEDX and VXUS?
MEDX 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 MEDX and VXUS?
MEDX and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7899 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MEDX or VXUS?
MEDX yields 1.17% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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