MFSI vs VXUS
MFS Active International 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MFSI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.75% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 97 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +9.17% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.58% | +26.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | MFS Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MFSI vs VXUS Performance
MFS Active International ETF (MFSI) is a ETF from MFS Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MFSI returned +17.58% while VXUS returned +26.36%. Year to date, MFSI is up 9.17% versus a gain of 15.44% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 10.1% for MFSI. 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 -13.7% for MFSI 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MFSI charges 0.59% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $5 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MFSI currently yields 0.75% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MFSI and VXUS share 62 holdings out of 7898 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MFSI or VXUS?
MFSI has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MFSI or VXUS?
Over the past year MFSI returned +17.58% vs +26.36% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MFSI annualized +18.86% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MFSI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.1% for MFSI. Worst drawdown: MFSI -13.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MFSI and VXUS?
MFSI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MFSI and VXUS?
MFSI and VXUS share 62 common holdings with a 9.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7898 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MFSI or VXUS?
MFSI yields 0.75% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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