MKOR vs VXUS
Matthews Korea Active ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. MKOR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MKOR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $137M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.81% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 47 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +71.58% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +127.15% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +39.55% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 37.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Matthews Asia Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 29, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MKOR vs VXUS Performance
Matthews Korea Active ETF (MKOR) is a ETF from Matthews Asia Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MKOR returned +127.15% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, MKOR is up 71.58% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, MKOR compounded at +39.55% per year against +20.34% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, MKOR has the edge at +34.97% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MKOR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.1% 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 -29.4% for MKOR 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MKOR charges 0.79% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $5 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MKOR currently yields 1.81% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MKOR and VXUS share 35 holdings out of 7885 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MKOR or VXUS?
MKOR has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MKOR or VXUS?
Over the past year MKOR returned +127.15% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so MKOR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MKOR annualized +34.97% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MKOR or VXUS?
MKOR has been the more volatile fund at 37.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: MKOR -29.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MKOR and VXUS?
MKOR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MKOR and VXUS?
MKOR and VXUS share 35 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7885 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MKOR or VXUS?
MKOR yields 1.81% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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