MISL vs VXUS
First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, MISL or VXUS?
Each has led over a different period.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. MISL led over 3Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MISL | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $718M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.31% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 80 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -3.95% | +13.64%Best |
| 1Y Return | +8.34% | +20.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.59%Best | +19.58% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 13.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -17.9% | -13.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.9 years | $21,085Best | $20,342 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.9 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 26, 2022 to Sep 17, 2026 (3.9 years).
MISL vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 3.9 years both funds cover.
MISL vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense ETF (MISL) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MISL returned +8.34% while VXUS returned +20.82%. Year to date, MISL is down 3.95% versus a gain of 13.64% for VXUS.
Over three years, MISL compounded at +24.59% per year against +19.58% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, MISL has the edge at +21.08% annualized vs +19.97%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MISL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% compared with 13.9% 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 -17.9% for MISL and -13.6% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.57. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MISL charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MISL currently yields 0.31% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 39 holdings in MISL and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 99.8% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 39 positions we hold weights for in MISL and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 80 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MISL and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MISL or VXUS?
MISL has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $55 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MISL or VXUS?
Over the past year MISL returned +8.34% vs +20.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MISL annualized +21.08% vs +19.97% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MISL or VXUS?
MISL has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 13.9% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: MISL -17.9% vs VXUS -13.6%.
Should I hold both MISL and VXUS?
MISL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, MISL or VXUS?
MISL yields 0.31% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than MISL?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. MISL led over 3Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.