Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMKAMVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.53%0.05%
AUM$13M$156.5B
Dividend Yield2.68%2.60%
Holdings58,747
YTD Return+6.89%+14.57%
1Y Return+12.40%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+10.08%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)5.7%15.1%
Max Drawdown-5.0%-39.9%
Fund FamilyMKAM ETF, LLCVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionApr 12, 2023Jan 26, 2011

MKAM vs VXUS Performance

MKAM ETF (MKAM) is a ETF from MKAM ETF, LLC and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MKAM returned +12.40% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, MKAM is up 6.89% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, MKAM compounded at +10.08% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, MKAM has the edge at +10.84% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 5.7% for MKAM. 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 -5.0% for MKAM 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MKAM charges 0.53% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $53 vs $5 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MKAM currently yields 2.68% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

MKAM and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7865 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, MKAM or VXUS?

MKAM has an expense ratio of 0.53% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $48 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MKAM or VXUS?

Over the past year MKAM returned +12.40% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MKAM annualized +10.84% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MKAM or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.7% for MKAM. Worst drawdown: MKAM -5.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both MKAM and VXUS?

MKAM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MKAM and VXUS?

MKAM and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7865 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MKAM or VXUS?

MKAM yields 2.68% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so MKAM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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